# Mehrdad Akhlagi confirmed as Iran’s Minister of Def

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/iran-defense-minister-nomination-process
> Updated: 2026-10-20T11:23:48.000Z. Sources: 72. Developments: 3.

Mehrdad Akhlagi Ketabchi has been confirmed as Iran’s new Minister of Defense and Support of the Armed Forces. Following his nomination by President Masoud Pezeshkian, the Islamic Consultative Assembly approved the appointment in a virtual voting session with 237 votes in favor, 15 against, and 25 members not participating.

This appointment follows a period of interim leadership necessitated by the death of former minister Aziz Nasirzadeh, who was killed during military strikes in February. Akhlagi Ketabchi succeeds Majed Ebnelreza, who had been serving in an interim capacity.

President Pezeshkian supported the selection, highlighting Akhlagi Ketabchi’s scientific expertise and his 42-year career in the defense sector, including leadership roles in the Defense Industries Organization (DIO) and the Aerospace Industries Organization (AIO). Recent reports confirm he is subject to sanctions by the United States, the European Union, and the United Nations due to his involvement in missile and nuclear-related technologies.

In his address to Parliament, Akhlagi Ketabchi outlined a program focused on restructuring the ministry, developing air defense systems, and the reconstruction of military industrial and production infrastructure. He has since expanded his stated priorities to include an intensive 22-month plan for drone research and production, advancements in satellite technology, and the development of a heavy fighter aircraft. He emphasized the necessity of technological self-sufficiency, stating, “We must build our military satellites ourselves and launch them ourselves.” He also issued warnings to the United States and Israel, stating that any further military aggression would face a “surprising and comprehensive” response.

## Claims

- Former Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh died in military strikes in February. (disputed by 25 sources)
- The February attacks killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. (disputed by 3 sources)
- The Iranian Parliament confirmed Mehrdad Akhlaghi as the new Minister of Defense. (corroborated by 36 sources)
- The February strikes were launched by the United States and Israel. (corroborated by 18 sources)
- Akhlaghi succeeds Majid Ebn-e Reza, who held the position in an interim capacity. (corroborated by 17 sources)
- Mehrdad Akhlaghi is under sanctions by the US, EU, and UN. (corroborated by 17 sources)
- Akhlaghi has been the head of the Iranian Defense Industries Organization since 2013. (corroborated by 9 sources)
- Akhlaghi warned that US military actions would result in significant casualties for soldiers in the region. (corroborated by 8 sources)
- Iran has taken measures to prepare for the potential use of the GBU-43/B 'Mother of All Bombs'. (corroborated by 7 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-20: Mehrdad Akhlaghi appointed as Iran’s new Defense Minister

Iran has appointed defense industry veteran Mehrdad Akhlaghi as Minister of Defence, signaling a focus on expanding missile, drone, and aerospace technologies.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mehrdad-akhlaghi-appointed-as-irans-new-defense-minister-1

### 2026-10-17: Iran appoints Mehrdad Akhlaghi as new Minister of Defense

Iran's parliament confirmed Mehrdad Akhlaghi as Minister of Defense with 237 votes, replacing interim leader Majid Ebn-e Reza following the death of Aziz Nasirzadeh in February strikes.

69 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/irans-defense-ministry-nominee-meets-military-leadership

### 2026-10-11: Mehrdad Akhlaghi undergoes parliamentary review for defense minister role

The Iranian Parliament's National Security Commission reviewed the programs and background of defense minister nominee Mehrdad Akhlaghi.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mehrdad-akhlaghi-undergoes-parliamentary-review-for-defense-minister-role

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Cite as: Mehrdad Akhlagi confirmed as Iran’s Minister of Def. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/iran-defense-minister-nomination-process