Payam Javan: The United States Senate has confirmed former Congressman Mike Waltz as the country’s new ambassador to the United Nations with 47 votes in favor and 43 against. Waltz was nominated for the post by President Donald Trump.

A close ally of the Republican Party, Waltz has been a vocal critic of the Islamic Republic of Iran. In March, ahead of joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, he declared that “all options” remained on the table to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

His confirmation comes at a time when the Trump administration’s hardline policies toward Iran and its nuclear program continue to be a central source of tension in U.S.-Iran relations. Analysts suggest that Waltz’s presence at the United Nations could lead to even tougher stances against Iran on the international stage.

Shortly after the Senate vote, Waltz expressed gratitude to President Trump and the senators who supported him. He said he hoped to use his new role to strengthen America’s position at the U.N. and advance the country’s security and diplomatic goals.