Mehrdad Akhlaghi appointed as Iran’s new Defense Minister

The Iranian parliament has officially appointed Mehrdad Akhlaghi as the new Minister of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics. Akhlaghi received 237 votes in favor and 15 against during a recent session. He succeeds Aziz Nasirzadeh, who was killed in strikes earlier this year.

A specialist in the defense industry rather than a battlefield commander, Akhlaghi has spent over four decades in Iran’s military-industrial sector. His previous roles include managing the Defense Industries Organization and leading the Aerospace Industries Organization. His background is heavily focused on weapons research, missile development, and aerospace technologies.

In his new capacity, Akhlaghi has outlined an expansion plan centered on drone research and production over the next 22 months, as well as advancements in satellite technology and the development of a heavy fighter aircraft. He emphasized the importance of domestic production, stating, “We must build our military satellites ourselves and launch them ourselves.” He also issued warnings to the United States and Israel regarding potential military actions.