Iran Nominee Oil Minister Withdraws Candidacy

Yahoo News:

Iran's nominee oil minister, Sadeq Mahsouli, on Wednesday informed parliament he had withdrawn his candidacy in the face of heavy criticism from lawmakers about his experience.

"As the Oil Ministry is a very important ministry ... I believe the nominee should get a very high vote. Therefore, I withdraw," Mahsouli said in a letter to President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad read out by Parliament Speaker Gholamali Haddadadel. READ MORE

Mahsouli walked out of the chamber before the letter was read out.

Mahsouli served with Ahmadinejad in the hardline Revolutionary Guard. His political experience was confined to a stint as a provincial governor and a deputy defense minister.

He was the second nominee presented to parliament by Ahmadinejad. His first choice, Ali Saeedlou, was rejected in August.