Iran parliament approves Mehrdad Akhlaghi as defense minister

Iran Parliament Approves Mehrdad Akhlaghi as New Defense Minister

Iran’s parliament approved Mehrdad Akhlaghi as the country’s new defense minister on Sunday, October 18, 2026, filling a leadership void that persisted for nearly eight months following the death of his predecessor in a strike, reported AFP. The appointment ends a months-long interim leadership as Tehran faces ongoing military tension with the United States and Israel.

Lawmakers in the Islamic Consultative Assembly voted 237 to 40 in favor of Akhlaghi out of 277 total votes cast, according to state television reports. Members of the Islamic Consultative Assembly gave a vote of confidence to Mehrdad Akhlaghi, candidate for defense minister and logistics of the armed forces, according to state television broadcasts. The confirmation follows the February 28, 2026, strike on a leadership complex, which killed Aziz Nasirzadeh alongside former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several senior military commanders. Akhlaghi replaced Majid Ebn al-Reza, who previously served as interim defense minister following the death of Nasirzadeh.

While he holds no official military rank, his background centers on military production, procurement, and weapons development, placing an experienced defense industry official to lead Iran’s military production, procurement, and technology development at a critical juncture in the regional conflict. He previously led the Aerospace Industries Organization of Iran and the Shahid Bagheri Industrial Group (SBIG), which are linked to the country’s ballistic missile program. In 2007, the United Nations placed Akhlaghi under sanctions over alleged ties to nuclear or ballistic missile activities, and he is currently subject to sanctions by the United States and the European Union due to his involvement in the country’s defense sector.

President Pezeshkian Warns of U.S. Target Lists During Confirmation

Ahead of the parliamentary vote, Masoud Pezeshkian addressed the legislature via video link, urging lawmakers to support Akhlaghi while disclosing that the new defense minister features on a United States target list. Pezeshkian urged members to provide strong support for the nomination, noting that the candidate received backing from various defense elements in Iran, including the armed forces, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the Ministry of Defense, and security agencies. Pezeshkian added that Iran has no intention of attacking other countries, but will provide a harsh response if its territory is attacked, stating that the nation’s defense is not just about missiles, but includes the people and the unity and cohesion within the country, while affirming that Tehran will not back down in the face of pressure and intimidation from attacking nations.

Addressing the legislature prior to his confirmation, Akhlaghi acknowledged the severity of the security environment. “If I receive a vote of confidence from parliament, responsibility for the Ministry of Defense will fall onto my shoulders at a crucial time,” Akhlaghi stated, as quoted by the Iranian student news agency ISNA. He added that defending the state requires an accurate assessment of regional developments and readiness for future contingencies, noting that in such a situation, defending the country requires an accurate understanding of the environment, the logic behind various developments, the identification of influential trends, and readiness for future possibilities.

New Defense Chief Threatens Massive Retaliation Against U.S. Forces

Shortly after securing his confirmation, Akhlaghi issued a direct warning to Washington and its allies in the Middle East, threatening severe retaliation should military operations against Iran continue. “If they do, they themselves and the region will experience very heavy damage,” Akhlaghi told reporters, adding that the public can feel at ease because Washington and its allies will likely not dare to attack. Akhlaghi’s remarks followed CNN reports indicating that the United States has prepared potential strike plans involving GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast bombs, commonly known as the mother of all bombs, directed at Iran’s energy infrastructure and nuclear facilities if authorized by U.S. Donald Trump, with the defense chief noting that Iran has taken preventive steps against the potential use of such non-nuclear weapons and warning that further U.S. strikes could endanger American military personnel stationed across the region.

Akhlaghi’s appointment coincides with heightened regional friction.

Ibrahim Khalil – World Editor