Iran’s parliament approved the appointment of Mehrdad Akhlaghi as the country’s new defense minister on 18 October, securing 237 votes in favor out of 277 cast, according to state media.

A veteran defense official with 42 years of experience, Akhlaghi previously headed Iran’s Defense Industries Organization and held senior positions in the country’s aerospace and military manufacturing sectors.

Akhlaghi has also been sanctioned by the United States over his links to the Defense Industries Organization and conventional arms activities, while the European Union has imposed sanctions on him over his leadership roles in Iran’s Aerospace Industries Organization (AIO) and affiliated bodies.

He succeeds Aziz Nasirzadeh, who was assassinated in the US-Israeli strikes that began on 28 February.

Speaking after his confirmation, Akhlaghi warned Washington against resuming its military campaign against Iran, declaring that any renewed attack would inflict “enormous damage” on the US and the region.

He also warned that any US miscalculation would trigger a “surprising and extensive” response, stressing that Iran’s military advances since the 12-day war had altered its adversaries’ strategic calculations.

Outlining his defense priorities, Akhlaghi pledged to expand Iran’s missile capabilities, particularly surface-to-surface and cruise missiles, with improvements in accuracy, range, and destructive power, as reported by WANA news agency.

He also announced plans to accelerate the development of advanced air defenses, stealth and long-range drones, combat and reconnaissance UAVs, military satellites, naval systems, and cyber and electronic warfare capabilities.

The new minister emphasized scientific self-sufficiency and domestic research, declaring that research would take priority even over weapons production.

Akhlaghi further pledged to strengthen Iran’s support for the regional Axis of Resistance, calling it one of his central priorities.

He also outlined plans to advance an Iranian-developed heavy fighter aircraft toward flight testing, expand military satellite production and launches, and increase the outsourcing of defense manufacturing components, as Tehran seeks to strengthen its military capabilities and deterrence against future US-Israeli attacks.