Iran's parliament approves Mehrdad Akhlaqi as new defense minister

ISTANBUL — Iran's parliament approved Mehrdad Akhlaqi Ketabchi as the country's new defense minister on Sunday, according to a report by Anadolu Agency that cites the state broadcaster IRIB.

According to Anadolu, Akhlaqi received 237 votes in favor and 15 against. There were no abstentions. A total of 277 votes were cast during a parliamentary session held by video conference.

Anadolu reported that lawmakers voted after hearing arguments from supporters and opponents of Akhlaqi. They also reviewed his plans for the Defense Ministry.

Warning on a possible new attack

Anadolu said Akhlaqi addressed lawmakers before the vote. According to the agency, he warned that Iran would deliver a "surprising and extensive" response if the United States and Israel launched another attack on the country.

"If the American-Zionist enemy once again makes a miscalculation, the response of the Iranian nation and the fighters of Islam will be surprising and extensive," Akhlaqi said, as quoted by Anadolu.

The agency reported that he added that Washington and its allies would bear responsibility for any regional and international consequences.

Priorities

Anadolu reported that Akhlaqi said he had been on what he called his enemies' "assassination list" for 35 years. It said he pledged to further strengthen what Iran calls the "resistance front."

According to the agency, he named three priorities for the ministry:

• expanding defense production across Iran's industrial network;
• boosting research;
• adapting the ministry's structure to current security threats.

Anadolu did not report any reaction from the United States or Israel to his appointment or his remarks. It also gave no details of the arguments made by those who opposed him in parliament.

Background

Anadolu said Akhlaqi replaces Aziz Nasirzadeh, who was killed in the initial US-Israeli attacks on Iran on Feb. 28. Majid Ebn al-Reza had served as acting defense minister after Nasirzadeh's death, the agency reported.

The agency described Akhlaqi as a longtime senior Defense Ministry official. It said he previously headed Iran's Aerospace Industries Organization. According to Anadolu, he has been subject to US sanctions over his involvement in Iran's missile-related activities.

The details in this report come from a single source, Anadolu Agency, which in turn attributes the vote result to IRIB. Zenga News has not independently verified the figures or the statements attributed to Akhlaqi.