Iran Appoints Missile Expert as Defence Minister Amid Escalating War

By Nasiru Hassan

Iran’s parliament has approved the appointment of Mehrdad Akhlaghi Ketabchi as the Islamic Republic's new Defence Minister amid the ongoing imposed war by the United States and Israel.

The 68-year-old was confirmed on Sunday after securing 237 votes in favour, while 15 lawmakers voted against his appointment, according to reports.

Akhlaghi will head the Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics at a critical time, following the killing of his predecessor, Aziz Nasirzadeh, alongside several other senior Iranian officials on the first day of the conflict, which began on February 28.

Majid Ebn-e Reza, who temporarily occupied the position, has now been appointed as Akhlaghi’s deputy.

The new minister is expected to oversee efforts to rebuild and expand Iran’s military-industrial infrastructure, which has sustained attacks by the United States and Israel during the war.

Iranian President, Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian said Akhlaghi had accumulated more than 42 years of experience in the Defence Ministry and related institutions.

Pezeshkian also reiterated Tehran’s position that Iran would not initiate aggression against other countries but would firmly defend its territorial integrity against any attack.

Akhlaghi’s defence programme reportedly received approval from senior military officials, the president and parliament’s Commission on National Security and Foreign Policy.

According to Iranian state media, his areas of expertise include ballistic missiles, solid-fuel propulsion, aerospace technology and military-industrial production.

He previously headed the Shahid Bagheri Industrial Group, the Aerospace Industries Organization and the Defence Industries Organization. The United States has imposed sanctions on Akhlaghi and the organisations, while he is also subject to United Nations sanctions, according to the report.

Tasnim News Agency, which is associated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), reported that Akhlaghi had been involved in developing Iran’s Sejjil and Zolfaghar ballistic missile systems, as well as precision-guided weapons, including Almas missiles and Yasin guided bombs.

His reported expertise also extends to space-launch vehicles, research rockets and facilities linked to the Imam Khomeini Space Center in Semnan.

As defence minister, Akhlaghi is expected to prioritise the expansion of domestic military production, improvements in air defence systems, the adoption of emerging technologies and closer cooperation between government institutions and private companies.

Other priorities reportedly include improving the welfare of military personnel and strengthening international military cooperation.

Addressing lawmakers before his confirmation, Akhlaghi said he had consulted senior military commanders, including IRGC Commander-in-Chief Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi, to better understand the armed forces’ requirements during and after the war.

His appointment comes as Iran continues to maintain that it retains significant military capabilities despite repeated US claims that attacks have severely damaged the country’s defence-industrial capacity.

The Islamic Republic officials have insisted that the country continues to possess offensive and defensive weapons, including missiles and drones, some of which have reportedly been upgraded in response to lessons learned from the conflict.

In his first remarks following his appointment, Akhlaghi issued a warning to US President Donald Trump amid heightened tensions over Washington’s threats against Iran’s nuclear and energy infrastructure.

“We have made preparations and continue our work with ease of mind,” Akhlaghi told reporters, according to the report.

He also warned that any US attack would carry consequences for American forces deployed in the region.

The appointment signals Tehran’s intention to place an experienced figure in charge of its defence establishment as the country faces continuing military pressure and seeks to strengthen its weapons production and defensive capabilities.