Iran's Parliament Approves Mehrdad Akhlaghi Ketabchi as New Defense Minister
The parliamentary vote confirms a veteran defense industry official as minister after his predecessor's killing, with Akhlaghi already addressing military capabilities and issuing warnings to the United States.
By Hushread Stories, written with AI from 8 outlets · First published 18 Oct 2026
In brief
- Iran's Parliament approved Mehrdad Akhlaghi Ketabchi as defense minister in a vote of confidence on October 18.
- He takes over the Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics following the killing of Aziz Nasirzadeh.
- Before his confirmation, Akhlaghi met Major General Abdollahi to discuss strengthening defensive capabilities and developing the defense industry.
- Akhlaghi is a veteran of Iran's missile industry with ties to the Revolutionary Guards and is under sanctions.
- After his appointment, Akhlaghi said measures to counter threats had been devised and issued a warning to Washington.
Timeline · 5 moments
New minister warns US against another miscalculation
Middle East Eye ↗Akhlaghi says measures to counter threats are devised
IRNA English ↗Parliament approves Akhlaghi as Iran's new defense minister
Mehr News (English) ↗Akhlaghi meets armed forces chief before confirmation
IRNA English ↗Aziz Nasirzadeh killed in attack on leadership compound
NDTV Top Stories ↗How it started
The appointment follows the killing of Aziz Nasirzadeh, whom Mehrdad Akhlaghi Ketabchi replaces as defense minister. According to NDTV Top Stories, Nasirzadeh was killed in a US-Israeli attack on a leadership compound on February 28.
Akhlaghi comes from Iran's defense industry. Iran International (English) described him as a sanctioned veteran of the missile industry with ties to the Revolutionary Guards.
How it unfolded
On October 17, while still defense minister-designate, Akhlaghi met Major General Abdollahi, the Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces. IRNA English reported that their discussions covered requirements for strengthening defensive capabilities and developing the defense industry.
On October 18, Parliament granted Akhlaghi a vote of confidence, confirming him as the new defense minister, according to Mehr News (English). ISNA (English) identified his full portfolio as Minister of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics.
His first reported remarks after the appointment focused on threats from the United States. IRNA English reported on October 18 that Akhlaghi said the necessary measures to counter threats had been devised. Middle East Eye also reported that he issued a warning against another American miscalculation.
Where it stands
Akhlaghi is now the confirmed minister, rather than a nominee awaiting parliamentary approval. The vote completes the appointment described by Mehr News (English) and ISNA (English).
The available coverage identifies his immediate priorities as defensive capabilities, defense industry development and responding to US threats. It does not provide a detailed policy programme or timetable for implementing new measures.
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