Iran Appoints New Defense Minister Amid Regional Tensions
Irans parliament has approved Mehrdad Akhlaghi Ketabchi as the new defense minister, following the death of his predecessor in an attack.
Tehran, October 18 (Daily Kiran) : Iran has officially appointed Mehrdad Akhlaghi Ketabchi as its new defense minister. The decision came after a parliamentary vote where Ketabchi secured 237 out of 277 votes. The previous minister was killed during U.S.-Israeli airstrikes.
In a statement released on social media platform X, the parliament confirmed the vote results, noting that 15 votes were cast against Ketabchi, with no abstentions. He replaces Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh, who died in February amid escalating conflicts.
Ketabchi is an experienced official in the defense industry, having previously led both the Aerospace Industries Organization and the Defense Industries Organization. In these roles, he oversaw missile technology and arms production.
However, Ketabchi faces sanctions from the U.S. and the United Nations due to his involvement in Iran’s ballistic missile program. The UN included him on its sanctions list in 2007 for his ties to the Shahid Bagheri Industrial Group, which develops solid-propellant ballistic missiles.
Upon taking office, Ketabchi issued a stark warning to the U.S., stating that any further aggression would provoke a significant response from Iran. He emphasized that the country’s defense capabilities have been significantly enhanced since the 12-day conflict, fundamentally altering enemy assessments of Iran’s military strength.
