Iran's Parliament Approves New Defense Minister Amid Regional Tensions
Translated & summarized from NEWSru Israel by baba
Iran's parliament approved Mehrdad Akhlaghi Ketabchi as the new Minister of Defense and Logistics of the Armed Forces on October 18. Ketabchi, nominated by President Masoud Pezeshkian, previously led the Aerospace Industries Organization and is under U.S. and EU sanctions. He replaces the interim minister who took over after the previous defense minister's death in February 2026 strikes. Ketabchi vowed to bolster Iran's defense capabilities and warned of a significant regional response to any future U.S.-Israeli attacks.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Mehrdad Akhlaghi Ketabchi was approved as Iran's new Minister of Defense by parliament on October 18.
- President Masoud Pezeshkian nominated Ketabchi, who is under U.S. and EU sanctions.
- Ketabchi replaces the interim minister who succeeded Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh, killed in February 2026 strikes.
- The new minister previously headed Iran's Aerospace Industries Organization.
- Ketabchi promised to strengthen Iran's defense industry and warned of a regional response to future attacks.
Iran's parliament approved Mehrdad Akhlaghi Ketabchi as the new Minister of Defense and Logistics of the Armed Forces on Sunday, October 18. The vote saw 237 lawmakers in favor, 15 against, and 25 abstentions. The parliamentary session was conducted via video conference. President Masoud Pezeshkian nominated Ketabchi for the position. He succeeds Majid Ebn al-Reza, who had been temporarily leading the defense ministry following the death of former Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh in U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, 2026. Ketabchi has a background in Iran's defense industry, previously heading the Aerospace Industries Organization. He is currently under U.S. and EU sanctions for his involvement in Iran's missile program. Addressing the deputies, Ketabchi pledged to strengthen the defense industry and enhance weaponry. He also issued a warning that any future strikes by the U.S. and Israel on Iran would be met with a large-scale response, the consequences of which would extend beyond the region.
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