WorldPosted at: Oct 18 2026 3:02PM


Iran parliament approves Mehrdad Akhlaqi as defence minister; warns of broad response to US-Israeli attack

Tehran, Oct 18 (UNI) Iran's parliament on Sunday approved Mehrdad Akhlaqi Ketabchi as the country's new defence minister, with the nominee warning that any fresh US-Israeli attack would trigger a "surprising and extensive" response.
Akhlaqi received 237 votes in favour and 15 against, with no abstentions, out of 277 votes cast during a parliamentary session held via video conference, Iranian state broadcaster IRIB reported.
Addressing lawmakers before the vote, Akhlaqi said Iran would respond forcefully if Washington and Israel launched another attack.
"If the American- Israeli enemy once again makes a miscalculation, the response of the Iranian nation and the fighters of Islam will be surprising and extensive," he said, warning that the United States and its allies would bear responsibility for any regional and international consequences.
Akhlaqi also claimed that he had been on his enemies' "assassination list" for 35 years and pledged to strengthen what Tehran calls the "resistance front".
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who addressed parliament virtually during the confirmation process, urged lawmakers to give Akhlaqi a strong vote of confidence, saying he had the backing of the country's armed forces and security institutions.
Pezeshkian said the nominee was under US sanctions and claimed that he is also on a US "assassination list".
"I hope he takes care of himself," the president said, expressing hope that Akhlaqi would "remain alive" and continue working to strengthen Iran's defence capabilities.
Pezeshkian said Iran did not seek to attack other countries but would respond strongly to any attack on its territory.
"Our defense is not only missiles; our defense is the people and the unity and cohesion we have in the country," he said, adding that Tehran would not yield to pressure and what he described as "bullying" by countries that attack Iran.
Akhlaqi replaces former Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh, who was killed in the initial US-Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28. Majid Ebn al-Reza had served as acting defence minister following Nasirzadeh's death.
A longtime senior Defence Ministry official, Akhlaqi previously headed Iran's Aerospace Industries Organization and the Shahid Bagheri Industrial Group, which has been linked to the country's ballistic missile programme. He has been subject to US sanctions over his involvement in Iran's missile-related activities.
Akhlaqi said his priorities would include expanding domestic defence production across Iran's industrial network, increasing research and adapting the Defence Ministry's structure to evolving security threats.UNI AAB
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