The story: All ministerial nominees of Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian have been approved by the parliament—a first in 23 years. The vote of confidence has stirred controversy as Pezeshkian prior to the ballot told lawmakers that Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had pre-approved all picks. The assertion has sparked pushback from both critics and supporters of the political establishment.

While having his cabinet approved is a win, Pezeshkian’s claim about Khamenei's extensive intervention could damage his image among pro-reform voters. It has also sparked warnings that republicanism in Iran is under...