The key facts

  • Mehrdad Ahlaki Ketabchi was approved by parliament and appointed Iran's defense minister by decree of President Pezeshkian
  • He replaces Aziz Nasirzadeh, who was killed in the Iran-US military conflict this year
  • The appointment comes amid continued tensions between Tehran and Washington

New Appointment in Iran's Defense Ministry Leadership

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Monday appointed Mehrdad Ahlaki Ketabchi as Minister of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics, the Iranian presidency reported. The decree was signed on the basis of Articles 87 and 133 of the Iranian Constitution after the nominee received a vote of confidence in parliament.

Approval Procedure

Under the Iranian Constitution, ministers proposed by the president must receive a vote of confidence from parliament before officially taking office, after which the president issues a decree of appointment. The presidency confirmed that Ketabchi received parliamentary approval, but did not disclose details of the vote, including the number of deputies who supported him. In the decree, Pezeshkian called on the new minister to work toward achieving the government's goals and addressing the tasks facing the country.

Context of the Appointment

Ketabchi replaced Aziz Nasirzadeh, who was killed in the military conflict between Iran and the United States earlier this year. The appointment comes amid continued tensions between Tehran and Washington following months of military confrontation and disputes over shipping security in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's Ministry of Defense is responsible for the defense industry, military equipment production, and logistical support for the armed forces, including the regular army and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).