Who Is Mehrdad Akhlaghi? Iran’s New Defence Minister Is Already On The US Kill List

Iran’s parliament on Sunday approved veteran defence industry official Mehrdad Akhlaghi Ketabchi as the country’s new defence minister, months after his predecessor was killed in US-Israeli strikes. His appointment comes amid heightened tensions with Washington, with Akhlaghi warning that any fresh attack on Iran would trigger a forceful response.

The appointment has drawn attention after Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian claimed that Akhlaghi was on a US assassination list. Addressing lawmakers virtually before the parliamentary vote, Pezeshkian expressed hope that the nominee would take necessary precautions, remain safe and continue strengthening Iran’s defence capabilities. The claim has not been independently verified.

Akhlaghi secured 237 votes in favour and 15 against out of 277 votes cast, according to Iranian state media. He replaced Majid Ebn al-Reza, who had been overseeing the ministry after former defence minister Aziz Nasirzadeh was killed in US-Israeli strikes on February 28.

A veteran of Iran’s defence establishment, Akhlaghi has decades of experience in aerospace, missile research and weapons production. He previously headed Iran’s Aerospace Industries Organisation and held senior positions in the country’s defence industry. He is also under US sanctions over his involvement in Iran’s missile programme.

In his programme presented to lawmakers, Akhlaghi pledged to rebuild Iran’s military-industrial infrastructure, expand domestic defence production and accelerate technological development. His priorities include strengthening missile capabilities, developing unmanned aerial vehicles and improving air-defence systems.

Speaking after his appointment, Akhlaghi warned US President Donald Trump against renewed military action. He said he had been on his enemies’ assassination list for 35 years and promised a “surprising and extensive” response if the United States and Israel attacked Iran again.

His warning comes amid reports that the US military has prepared options for fresh strikes against Iranian targets. CNN reported that these plans could include deploying the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast bomb, popularly known as the “mother of all bombs”, against Iranian energy infrastructure and nuclear sites if Trump orders renewed combat operations.

Akhlaghi said Tehran had taken precautions against the possible use of the weapon. He also warned that American forces could suffer heavy casualties in a renewed conflict, urging Trump to focus on withdrawing US personnel safely from the region.

The appointment places an experienced defence industry official at the centre of Iran’s military preparations as uncertainty over a possible resumption of hostilities continues.