Iran on Sunday appointed Mehrdad Akhlaghi, who is under UN sanctions, as its new defense minister, following the death of his predecessor, Aziz Nasirzadeh, at the start of the war launched by the United States and Israel on February 28.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian praised Akhlaghi’s 42 years of experience.
Iranian state television reported that the parliament approved Akhlaghi’s appointment as defense minister in a vote. The position had been temporarily held by Brigadier General Majid Ibn al-Reza of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, who had served as deputy to the late Nasirzadeh.
Meanwhile, Iranian President Pezeshkian stressed that the defense capabilities of the Iranian armed forces have earned the respect of officials from various countries for their strength and dignity. He emphasized that Iran does not seek aggression against any country but will respond forcefully to any attack against it, according to the Mehr News Agency.
The Iranian president, speaking via video conference on Sunday during a session to review the qualifications of the proposed Minister of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics, emphasized the crucial role of the armed forces in defending the country, praising their sacrifices and capabilities, which he said have astonished the world.
Referring to the proposed Minister of Defense, Mehrdad Akhlaghi, the president noted that his 42 years of experience in the Ministry of Defense and progression through various positions bolster confidence in his ability to assume the responsibility.
Meanwhile, the Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, Mohsen Rezaei, stated, “The armed forces have prepared a plan even more destructive than before for a new adventure.”
He added on X, “The illusions and repeated threats from American and Zionist officials these days do not alter the reality on the ground.” (EIR)
