# Iran Parliament Shifts to Remote Sessions

> Iran's parliament continues remote sessions amid political disputes over in-person meetings.
- Title: Iran Parliament Shifts to Remote Sessions · Iranintl
- Summary: Iran's parliament continues remote sessions amid political disputes over in-person meetings. Iran's parliament faces legitimacy questions as remote sessions…
- Keywords: iran, parliament, remote sessions, infiltration bill, paydari front, masaf group, mohammad-bagher ghalibaf, meysam zohourian, imam shamsaei, technology, startups, Shifts
- Source: Iranintl — https://iranintl.com/en/202610207766
- Published: 2026-10-20T18:08:06.406+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: iran, parliament, remote sessions, infiltration bill, paydari front, masaf group, mohammad-bagher ghalibaf, meysam zohourian, imam shamsaei, technology, startups
## Defense minister elected
Mehrdad Akhlaghi was elected defense minister with 237 votes in favor and 15 against.
## Virtual session attendance issues
277 lawmakers attended virtual session but 25 could not register votes due to internet problems.
## Parliament's remote sessions
Parliament has relied on remote sessions since amending internal rules in July for emergency meetings.
## Criticism of remote sessions
Hardline lawmaker Meysam Zohourian warned approving the Infiltration Bill could take a year at current pace.
## Political dispute over sessions
Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf faces criticism from hardline opponents over remote sessions.
## Public legitimacy concerns
Iran's 2024 parliamentary election turnout fell to record low with only 24% in Tehran.
## Key takeaway

Iran's parliament faces legitimacy questions as remote sessions continue despite criticism over internet issues and low voter turnout.