[REVISION HISTORY]

Mehrdad Akhlagi confirmed as Iran’s Minister of Def

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2026-10-18 14:40 UTC → 2026-10-20 13:37 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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). ~~The President noted that Akhlagi Ketabchi has previously been subject to U.S. sanctions.~~ Recent reports confirm he is ~~also~~ subject to sanctions by the United States, the European ~~Union~~ 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 and domestic production to counter international sanctions and a “rapidly changing regional~~ self-sufficiency, stating, “We must build our military satellites ourselves and ~~global strategic environment.”~~ launch them ourselves.” He also ~~highlighted the importance of strengthening the “Resistance Front” and~~ issued warnings to the United ~~States,~~ States and Israel, stating that any further military aggression would face a “surprising and comprehensive” response. Specifically, he referenced the GBU-43/B “Mother of All Bombs,” stating that Iran has taken precautions against such weapons and warning that an attack would result in a “surprising and extensive” response that could cause significant casualties for U.S. forces in the region.

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