Who is Iran's new Defense Minister Mehrdad Akhlaqi?
Axloqiy's experience has been gained primarily in the fields of ballistic missiles, aerospace technologies, and defense-industrial production.
Who is Iran's new Minister of Defense Mehrdad Akhlaqi?
Mehrdad Akhlaqi Kitobchi has been appointed to the post of Minister of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics of Iran. On October 18, the Iranian parliament confirmed the candidacy of the 68-year-old Akhlaqi during an online session.
This decision was made at a time when the war by the US and Israel against Iran is expected to intensify further.
Iran's former Minister of Defense, Aziz Nasirzadeh, was killed on the first day of the war — February 28 — as a result of Israeli strikes. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and many other high-ranking Iranian figures were also killed on that day.
Since then, the position had been temporarily held by Majid Ibn Reza. Now, he will become Akhlaqi's deputy.
During the war that has lasted over half a year, the US and Israel have dealt serious blows to Iran's military-industrial infrastructure.
The new minister's defense plans had previously been approved by the senior military leadership, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, and the parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Commission.
"The Islamic Republic of Iran will not be the initiating party of aggression against any state. However, it will decisively and to the death defend the territorial integrity of the country against any aggression."
According to the president, Akhlaqi has more than 42 years of experience in the Ministry of Defense and its affiliated organizations.
His main specialization is ballistic missiles, solid-fuel engine systems, aerospace technologies, and military-industrial production. He previously headed three armaments production organizations in Iran. Akhlaqi and these entities are under US sanctions.