Iran's Parliament Approves New Defense Minister Amid Regional Tensions

Ketabchi, nominated by President Masoud Pezeshkian, was approved in a video-conference parliamentary session with 237 lawmakers in favor, 15 against, and 25 abstentions. During the session, Pezeshkian expressed concern for Ketabchi's safety, stating that the new minister is on an American assassination list and expressing hope that he would survive his tenure.

Ketabchi is a veteran of Iran's defense industry who previously headed the Aerospace Industries Organization and is currently under US and EU sanctions for his involvement in Iran's missile program. In his address to lawmakers, Ketabchi vowed to revitalize the nation's military-industrial infrastructure, expedite defense technology development, and bolster Iran's defense capabilities.

He also issued a warning to the United States and Israel, stating that any future strikes would be met with a surprising, extensive, and regional response. Ketabchi specifically addressed reports of potential US plans to use the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast Bomb, known as the "mother of all bombs," against Iranian energy and nuclear sites, asserting that Iran has prepared countermeasures that would lead to significant casualties among US forces.