Iran Appoints New Defense Minister with Extensive Missile Experience

By ספיר ליפקין

Translated & summarized from N12 by baba

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Iran's parliament approved Mehrdad Akhlaghi as the new Defense Minister, bringing 43 years of experience in missile development. Akhlaghi, who was previously sanctioned by the U.S., has warned of severe retaliation if Iran is attacked. The appointment signals a strategic focus on expanding ballistic missile capabilities. Meanwhile, the Foreign Minister indicated readiness for diplomacy under specific conditions, while a security official threatened a more destructive response to any new aggression.

The story in 6 lines · by baba

Mehrdad Akhlaghi was approved as Iran's new Defense Minister with 43 years of defense industry experience.
Akhlaghi previously led missile development and production, including solid-fuel ballistic missiles.
The U.S. sanctioned Akhlaghi in 2008 for his role in Iran's missile programs.
The new minister warned of severe consequences for any attack on Iran.
His appointment reflects Iran's strategic focus on enhancing its ballistic missile capabilities.
Iran's Foreign Minister stated readiness for diplomacy if conditions are met.

Iran Appoints New Defense Minister with Extensive Missile Experience — Editorial illustration generated by baba News, not a photograph of the event.

Iran's parliament has approved the appointment of Mehrdad Akhlaghi as the new Defense Minister, following the elimination of his predecessor, Aziz Nasirzadeh, during the ongoing conflict. Majid Ebn-e-Razza had been serving as acting minister. Akhlaghi, 68, brings 43 years of experience in Iran's defense industries, particularly in missile development and production. He previously headed the Shahid Bakeri Industries Group, responsible for solid-fuel ballistic missiles, and in 2014 became CEO of the Aerospace Industries Organization, overseeing Iran's missile sector.

The United States sanctioned Akhlaghi in 2008 due to his activities with Shahid Bakeri, including negotiations for equipment procurement. According to Iran's Tasnim news agency, he has approximately 30 years of experience specifically in solid-fuel missile technology. Amidst regional tensions, the new minister issued a stark warning to the U.S., stating, "If he drops one bomb, he will see how many people he will have to take out of there horizontally and leave." He also asserted that any attack on Iran would result in severe damage to both the attacker and the region.

Senior researcher Danny Citrinowicz noted that Akhlaghi's selection is strategic, reflecting Tehran's focus on rebuilding and expanding its ballistic missile capabilities, especially in solid-fuel technology. This indicates a move towards accelerating missile production and enhancing the capacity for prolonged military operations. Citrinowicz added that Iran is preparing for ongoing military confrontations rather than isolated incidents, aiming to bolster its asymmetric warfare capabilities and defense production independence.

Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Tehran's diplomatic conditions for negotiations with the U.S. are clear and under review. He indicated that the Strait of Hormuz would open on the seventh day if conditions are met, with negotiations resuming the following day. Araghchi emphasized Iran's readiness to defend itself and its refusal to bow to threats.

Mohsen Rezaei, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, dismissed recent threats from U.S. and Zionist officials, stating that Iran's armed forces have prepared a more destructive plan than previous conflicts for any "new adventure."