Media reported on Monday that Esfandiar Rahim-Mashaie, the target of frequent criticism from inside the hardline establishment since he became chief of staff last year, was taking one of four new foreign policy posts.

News of Rahim-Mashaie’s appointment came a day after Ahmadinejad and the head of Parliament met and said they would put aside differences that have exposed deep divisions among hardliners and prompted a warning from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Rahim-Mashaie, whose daughter is married to Ahmadinejad’s son, has become the focal point for infighting among the hardliners who rule the Islamic Republic.

A year ago Khamenei forced Ahmadinejad to sack him from the post of first vice-president amid fierce criticism from many conservatives who were particularly offended by his suggestion that Iran was a friend to all nations, including the people of Israel.

But the president managed to hang on to his charismatic political ally by making him chief of staff.

Analysts say the establishment in-fighting has become increasingly evident in recent months as opposition protests over Ahmadinejad’s disputed re-election in June 2009 have died down in the face of sometimes brutal repression.

The move also signalled Ahmadinejad’s intention to take a more hands-on role in regional diplomacy.