Iran's parliament confirmed Mehrdad Akhlaghi Ketabchi as the new defense minister on Sunday. The appointment comes at a critical time as the country seeks to stabilize its defense leadership amid heightened tensions in the Gulf region. Officials aim to strengthen domestic defenses and prepare for potential regional operations.

Akhlaghi is known for his deep involvement in Iran's missile program and wider defense industry. This background is seen as relevant given ongoing efforts to restore industrial capabilities in the defense sector.

Reuters reported that Akhlaghi succeeds Majid Ebn al-Reza, who served in an interim role following the death of former defense minister Aziz Nasirzadeh in US-Israeli strikes earlier this year.

The Iranian parliament gave strong backing to Akhlaghi's nomination. He has pledged to focus on rebuilding the nation's defense capabilities.

According to Iran International, Akhlaghi was born in 1958 and studied chemical engineering at Amirkabir University of Technology. He later obtained a master's degree in strategic management from Malek Ashtar University of Technology, which is linked to the Defense Ministry.

State media described his prior roles as including leadership of the Shahid Bakeri Industrial Group and serving as managing director of the Aerospace Industries Organization.

Akhlaghi spent over four decades in Iranian defense industries

Iran International reported that Akhlaghi joined the defense industries in the early 1980s. He accumulated more than four decades of experience in technical, industrial, and managerial positions, according to state-linked sources.

Much of his work centered on solid-fuel missile propulsion systems and oversight of facilities tied to ballistic missile development. He also served at the Shahid Bagheri Industrial Group, a subsidiary of the Aerospace Industries Organization connected to the ballistic missile program.

Akhlaghi rose to head the Aerospace Industries Organization in 2014 before taking leadership of the Defense Industries Organization. Reports indicate his involvement in the Fateh-110 missile project stemmed from close ties to Hassan Tehrani Moghaddam, a key figure in the IRGC missile program.

New defense minister faced UN sanctions over missile activities

The UN placed Akhlaghi on a sanctions list in 2007 due to his role in nuclear or ballistic missile activities. He was identified as head of the Shahid Bagheri Industrial Group, which had been designated under resolution 1737 for its contributions to the ballistic missile program.

The US Treasury Department added sanctions against him in 2008. Akhlaghi is recognized for his contributions to the missile program and for procuring related materials. He now leads the defense ministry at a time when Iran seeks to restore its missile capabilities, despite earlier claims of significant setbacks.