Some cabinet nominations unlikely to be approved in Iran

Analysts say Mr Ahmadinejad is expected to face considerable opposition over the list - both from the conservatives who dominate the assembly and moderates foes who say his government lacks legitimacy.

The parliament's vice-speaker warned that several of the president's nominations were unlikely to be approved.

"Some of my colleagues and I [...] are of the opinion that close to five ministers proposed by Ahmadinejad will not receive a vote of confidence," Mohammad Reza Bahonar was quoted as saying by the Mehr News Agency.

Mr Bahonar, a conservative, hinted that as many as five of the president's proposed ministers would not be approved but gave no names.

Later on Thursday, Mr Ahmadinejad is expected to give a televised address to present the cabinet.