In Tehran, Mehrdad Akhlaghi Ketabchi has officially assumed the position of Iran’s defense minister as the conflict involving the United States continues to intensify. The 68-year-old official was reportedly approved on Sunday by the parliament, which has convened online since the onset of the military engagement on February 28. A total of 237 lawmakers voted in favor of Akhlaghi’s appointment, while 15 cast dissenting votes.

The former defense minister, Aziz Nasirzadeh, was allegedly killed alongside numerous senior figures, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, on the opening day of hostilities. The position was temporarily held by Majid Ebn-e Reza, who will transition to serving as Akhlaghi’s deputy. The newly appointed minister faces the critical task of rebuilding and expanding Iran's military-industrial infrastructure, which has sustained heavy targeting from US and Israeli forces.

According to state media and official biographies, Akhlaghi brings over 42 years of experience within the Ministry of Defence, with specialized expertise in ballistic missiles, solid-fuel propulsion, and aerospace technology. He previously headed several key industrial organizations that are currently subjected to international and US sanctions. Meanwhile, the US regime has repeatedly asserted that it has successfully dismantled the majority of Iran’s military-industrial capacities, though authorities in Tehran maintain that considerable offensive and defensive capabilities remain intact.

In his inaugural remarks, Akhlaghi reportedly issued a defiant response to the administration of US President Donald Trump, which recently threatened strikes against Iranian infrastructure. He asserted that the US leadership should focus on evacuating its military personnel from the region safely, warning of severe consequences if further escalations occur.

Source: www.aljazeera.com