Iran's parliament on October 18 approved Mehrdad Akhlaqi Ketabchi as the country's new defense minister, according to Iranian state media and international news agencies. He received 237 votes in favor and 15 against, with no abstentions, out of 277 votes cast during an online parliamentary session.
A veteran of Iran's defense industry, Akhlaqi previously headed the country's Space Industries Organization and has held senior positions in the defense sector.
His name appears on the United Nations sanctions list, which identifies him as the former head of the Shahid Baqeri Industrial Group, an organization designated for its role in Iran's ballistic missile program. He was added to the UN list in 2007 under measures related to Security Council Resolution 1737, adopted in 2006.
The United States has also sanctioned him for his missile-related activities.
Addressing lawmakers before the vote, Akhlaq warned that Iran would respond forcefully to another US-Israeli attack.
Addressing lawmakers before the vote, Akhlaq warned that Iran would respond forcefully to any further US-Israeli attacks, saying the response would be “sudden and extensive.” He warned that Washington and its allies would bear the consequences.
Akhlaq succeeds Aziz Nasirzadeh, who was killed in the first US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28. Majid Ebn al-Reza had served as acting defense minister after Nasirzadeh's death.
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