Iran’s parliament has officially appointed Mehrdad Akhlaghi Ketabchi as the country’s new defence minister, a move that comes at a critical juncture in the ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel. The 68-year-old was approved on Sunday, receiving 237 votes in favour against 15 opposing votes. The parliamentary session was conducted online, a practice the legislature has adopted since the conflict began on February 28.
The position of defence minister had been vacant following the death of former minister Aziz Nasirzadeh, who was killed during the opening day of the war alongside several other senior figures, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Majid Ebn-e Reza, who had been serving in the role on a temporary basis, will now transition to the position of Akhlaghi’s deputy.
Akhlaghi’s appointment arrives with a clear mandate to rebuild and expand Iran’s military-industrial infrastructure, which has been a primary target for US and Israeli airstrikes throughout the war. According to the office of President Masoud Pezeshkian, the new minister brings more than 42 years of experience within the Ministry of Defence and its associated organizations. His background is deeply rooted in the technical aspects of warfare, specifically in ballistic missiles, solid-fuel propulsion, aerospace technology, and industrial production.
Before his elevation to the cabinet, Akhlaghi served in leadership roles at the Shahid Bagheri Industrial Group, the Aerospace Industries Organization, and the Defence Industries Organization. State media reports and information linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) note that he has been instrumental in the development of the Sejjil and Zolfaghar missile families, as well as precision-guided weapons like the Almas missiles and Yasin guided bombs. Additionally, he possesses extensive experience in research rockets and infrastructure related to the Imam Khomeini Space Center in Semnan.
The appointment has been met with significant international scrutiny. Akhlaghi and the various entities he previously led are currently subject to sanctions by the United States and the United Nations. Despite these pressures, Iranian officials maintain that his expertise is vital for the current war effort. Brigadier General Reza Talaei-Nik, the Defence Ministry spokesman, stated that the nomination reflects an urgent need to enhance both the quantity and quality of Iran’s strategic weapons, particularly drones and missiles.
Upon his confirmation, Akhlaghi signaled a defiant stance against US leadership. In response to recent threats from the US administration regarding the potential use of heavy weaponry against Iran’s energy and nuclear infrastructure, the new minister indicated that the country’s military plans are firmly in place. He emphasized that the focus remains on territorial integrity and defense, warning that Iranian forces are prepared to respond to any further aggression.
As he assumes his duties, Akhlaghi has outlined a strategic plan that includes faster military-industrial development, strengthened air defenses, and the integration of emerging technologies through both private and government sectors. He has also identified the welfare of armed forces personnel and the cultivation of international military cooperation as key priorities. As the conflict continues, Tehran remains firm in its assertion that its offensive and defensive capabilities remain robust and capable of adaptation based on new battlefield experiences.
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