Investing.com -- Iran’s parliament approved Mehrdad Akhlaqi Ketabchi as the country’s new defence minister on Sunday, ending months of interim leadership as Tehran faces continued military tensions with the United States and Israel.
Akhlaqi replaces Majid Ebn al-Reza, who had served as acting defence minister following the death of Aziz Nasirzadeh in U.S.-Israeli strikes in February.
The appointment places an experienced defence industry official in charge of Iran’s military production, procurement and technological development at a critical point in the regional conflict.
Akhlaqi has spent decades working in Iran’s defence industry, including senior positions overseeing aerospace and missile-related activities.
He is currently subject to U.S. and European Union sanctions over his involvement in the country’s defence sector.
In a programme submitted to parliament, Akhlaqi outlined plans to rebuild Iran’s military-industrial infrastructure, accelerate the development of defence technologies and strengthen cooperation with private-sector companies.
The new minister also warned Washington against launching further military operations against Iran, threatening a significant response to any renewed attacks.
His remarks followed a CNN report that the United States had developed potential strike plans involving the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast bomb, commonly known as the "mother of all bombs".
The reported plans could involve strikes against Iranian energy infrastructure and nuclear facilities if U.S. President Donald Trump authorises renewed military operations.
The GBU-43/B is the largest non-nuclear bomb in the U.S. arsenal.
Akhlaqi said Iran had taken precautionary measures against the potential deployment of the weapon and warned that further U.S. strikes could endanger American military personnel stationed across the region.
The appointment comes as Iran seeks to strengthen its defence capabilities following months of military confrontation and damage to its strategic infrastructure.
Akhlaqi’s priorities suggest Tehran intends to accelerate domestic weapons production and reinforce its military-industrial capacity while maintaining a confrontational position towards Washington.
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