The key facts

  • Iran's parliament approved Mehrdad Ahlaki as defense minister: 237 in favor, 15 against, no abstentions (277 votes, meeting held via video link).
  • He replaces Aziz Nasirzadeh, who was killed on February 28 in the US and Israeli attack; Majid Ebn al-Rezza served as acting minister.
  • Ahlaki previously headed Iran's Aerospace Industries Organization and is under US sanctions for missile activities.

Approval of the New Minister

Iran's parliament on Sunday, October 18, approved the appointment of Mehrdad Ahlaki Ketabchi as defense minister, state broadcaster IRIB reported. The vote took place at a session held via video link: of the 277 votes cast, 237 were in favor and 15 against, with no abstentions. Lawmakers voted after speeches by supporters and opponents of the nominee and a review of the plans for the ministry's work presented by Ahlaki.

Predecessor Killed in February

Ahlaki replaces Aziz Nasirzadeh, who was killed on February 28 during the initial US and Israeli attacks on Iran. After his death, Majid Ebn al-Rezza served as acting defense minister.

Statements Before the Vote

Speaking before lawmakers, Ahlaki warned that in the event of a new US and Israeli attack, Iran would respond in an 'unexpected and large-scale' manner. 'If the American-Zionist enemy makes another miscalculation, the response of the Iranian nation and the fighters of Islam will be unexpected and large-scale,' he said, adding that Washington and its allies would bear responsibility for any regional and international consequences. Ahlaki also stated that he has been on the enemies' so-called 'kill list' for 35 years, and pledged to strengthen what is called in Iran the 'axis of resistance'.

Priorities and Biography

Among his priorities, Ahlaki named expanding weapons production across Iran's industrial network, strengthening scientific research, and adapting the defense ministry's structure to current security threats. He is a longtime senior official of the defense ministry, previously headed Iran's Aerospace Industries Organization, and is under US sanctions for his involvement in Iran's missile activities.