Iran Appoints New Defence Chief as Tensions Rise Over U.S. Strike Plans

Iran's parliament confirmed Mehrdad Akhlaqi Ketabchi as the country's new defence minister on Sunday, filling a leadership gap that lasted for months. He takes over the role from Majid Ebn al-Reza, who had been running the ministry on a temporary basis following the death of former Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh in U.S. and Israeli strikes back in February.

Background

The newly appointed minister brings decades of experience from working inside Iran's domestic defence industry, specifically holding high-ranking positions across the country's aerospace and missile divisions. Because of his past work in these military sectors, he already faces official economic sanctions from both the United States and the European Union.

Priorities and Threats

When outlining his plans to members of parliament, Mr. Akhlaqi promised to repair damaged military-industrial facilities, speed up new military technology projects, and partner more closely with private businesses. He also issued a strong warning during his address, stating that any fresh miscalculation by American forces would lead to a severe and unexpected counterattack from Iran.

Context

These leadership changes and heated warnings come at a time when foreign media reports indicate the United States has readied potential military plans involving massive non-nuclear ordnance against Iranian nuclear and energy targets. Relations between Washington and Tehran remain deeply strained, with regional military positions heavily fortified on both sides.