Tehran (TDI): Iran’s parliament has approved Mehrdad Akhlaghi as the country’s new defense minister, state media reported, filling a key government position left vacant after his predecessor was killed in US-Israeli strikes on February 28.
Members of the Islamic Consultative Assembly voted 237 in favour of Akhlaghi’s appointment out of 277 votes cast, according to the Iranian government’s website.
State television reported that lawmakers had granted a vote of confidence to Akhlaghi, who will lead the Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics at a critical point in the country’s security and military affairs.
He replaces Aziz Nasirzadeh, who was reportedly killed in an attack on a leadership compound on the first day of the war involving the United States, Israel and Iran. The same attack also killed former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and senior military commanders, according to the supplied report.
Speaking before the parliamentary vote, Akhlaghi said the defense ministry would face significant challenges amid the evolving regional and international security situation.
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“If I receive parliament’s vote of confidence, responsibility for the Ministry of Defense will fall to me at a sensitive juncture,” he said, according to the Iranian Students’ News Agency (ISNA).
He added that defending Iran required a detailed understanding of the strategic environment, emerging developments and potential future scenarios.
“Under such circumstances, defending the country requires an accurate understanding of the environment, an understanding of the logic behind developments, the identification of influential trends, and preparedness to face different possible futures,” Akhlaghi said.
Although Akhlaghi does not hold a military rank, he has spent decades working within Iran’s defense establishment.
He has worked at the Defense Ministry for 42 years and has led the Iranian Defense Industries Organization, the country’s state weapons manufacturer, since 2013.
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The organization plays a role in developing and producing military equipment for Iran’s armed forces, making its leadership relevant to the country’s defense production and procurement capabilities.
Akhlaghi’s appointment comes as Iran faces continued military and security pressures following the US-Israeli campaign and its subsequent regional repercussions.
