The key facts

  • Pezeshkian said that defense minister nominee Mehrdad Ahlaki is under US sanctions and, according to him, is on a US 'kill list'
  • Ahlaki previously headed Iran's Aerospace Industries Organization and SBIG, which is linked to the missile program
  • He is replacing Aziz Nasirzadeh, who, according to the agency, was killed during the American-Israeli attacks on Iran

President's statement before parliament

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, in a virtual address to parliament on Sunday, which was considering the candidacy of Mehrdad Ahlaki Ketabchi for the post of defense minister, stated that the nominee is under American sanctions and, according to the president, is included in the US 'kill list.' He expressed hope that Ahlaki would 'take care of himself' and, with the support of state institutions, 'stay alive' and continue to strengthen the country's defense capability. The statement is reported by the semi-official ISNA agency.

Who is Ahlaki

Ahlaki is a long-time senior official at the defense ministry who previously headed Iran's Aerospace Industries Organization and the Shahid Bagheri industrial group (SBIG), which is linked to the country's ballistic missile program. He has been sanctioned by the US for involvement in missile-related activities. Pezeshkian called on deputies to give the nominee strong support, stating that he enjoys the backing of the armed forces, including the army, the IRGC, the defense ministry and security structures.

Context and Tehran's position

Ahlaki has been nominated to replace former defense minister Aziz Nasirzadeh, who, according to the agency, was killed during the American-Israeli attacks on Iran earlier this year. Pezeshkian emphasized that Iran does not seek to attack other countries but will respond to any attack on its territory. 'Our defense is not only missiles; our defense is the people and the unity and cohesion that exist in the country,' he said. He added that Tehran will not yield to pressure and, in his words, 'intimidation' from the countries attacking Iran.