Stories
Iran Parliament Approves Mehrdad Akhlaqi as Defence Minister Amid US Threats
F
Firstpost•18-10-2026, 16:08
Iran Parliament Approves Mehrdad Akhlaqi as Defence Minister Amid US Threats
- •Iran parliament approved Mehrdad Akhlaqi as the new defence minister with 237 votes in favour out of 277 cast.
- •Akhlaqi takes over nearly eight months after former minister Aziz Nasirzadeh was killed in US-Israeli strikes on February 28.
- •He brings 42 years of experience in Iran's defence sector, having led the Iranian Defence Industries Organisation since 2013.
- •Akhlaqi is subject to international sanctions by the UN, US, and EU due to his involvement in nuclear or ballistic missile activities.
- •He warned Washington of a forceful and surprising response if the US launches fresh military attacks against Iran.
Key Questions Answered
Iran's parliament approved Mehrdad Akhlaqi as the country's new defence minister with 237 votes in favour out of 277 cast, ending months of interim leadership.
Akhlaqi is a veteran with around 42 years of experience in Iran's defence industry who has headed the Defence Industries Organisation since 2013 and has faced international sanctions from the UN, US, and EU since 2007.
Akhlaqi warned Washington that Iran would respond forcefully to any fresh attacks, telling US President Donald Trump to focus on ensuring the safe withdrawal of American forces from the region.
