Politics
Iran's parliament approves Mehrdad Akhlaghi as new defence minister
Al Jazeera reports that parliament approved Mehrdad Akhlaghi Ketabchi, who previously headed defence-industry organisations, as defence minister by 237 votes to 15.
The short version
- Iran's parliament approved Mehrdad Akhlaghi Ketabchi as defence minister on Sunday, by 237 votes to 15.[Al Jazeera]
- The 68-year-old previously headed defence-industry bodies that are subject to US sanctions, and he is also under UN sanctions.[Al Jazeera]
- According to Tasnim, an IRGC-linked newspaper, he reportedly helped expand Iran's Sejjil and Zolfaghar missile families; this is not independently confirmed.[Al Jazeera]
- Reports say his priorities include faster military-industrial development and air defences, including rebuilding infrastructure targeted by the US and Israel.[Al Jazeera]
Key facts
- Parliament approved Mehrdad Akhlaghi Ketabchi as defence minister on Sunday, with 237 votes in favour and 15 against.[Al Jazeera]
- Akhlaghi was 68 years old at the time of his approval.[Al Jazeera]
- The president said Akhlaghi has more than 42 years of experience in the Defence Ministry and related organisations.[Al Jazeera]
- Akhlaghi previously headed the Shahid Bagheri Industrial Group, the Aerospace Industries Organization and the Defence Industries Organization.[Al Jazeera]
- Akhlaghi and those organisations are subject to US sanctions, and Akhlaghi is also under UN sanctions.[Al Jazeera]
- Senior military authorities, President Masoud Pezeshkian and parliament's national security commission approved the new minister's defence plans earlier.[Al Jazeera]
What remains uncertain
- Reports tying Akhlaghi to missile development and the expansion of Sejjil and Zolfaghar missiles rely on Tasnim, an IRGC-linked newspaper, and are not independently verified.[Al Jazeera]
- His reported expertise in space launchers and Semnan space-centre infrastructure is described only as said to exist and is not independently confirmed.[Al Jazeera]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.