Mehrdad Akhlaghi Ketabchi

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Iran names missile-program veteran as defense minister during war with US and Israel

Approved by parliament on October 18, 2026

Iran's parliament voted Sunday to put Mehrdad Akhlaghi, a UN-sanctioned ballistic missile specialist, in charge of the country's defense industry. He takes over eight months after war with the United States and Israel killed his predecessor and the supreme leader on the conflict's first day.

Updated Oct 18

Notable Quotes

If the American enemy makes another miscalculation, the response of the valiant Iranian people and the fighters of Islam will be surprising and extensive.

from Iran names missile-program veteran as defense minister during war with US and Israel · Updated Oct 18

We are not building new factories in their previous locations. Instead, we are building them inside mountains and fortified, secure structures.

from Iran names missile-program veteran as defense minister during war with US and Israel · Updated Oct 18

With our fingers on the trigger, we are prepared for war against the Zionists.

from Iran names missile-program veteran as defense minister during war with US and Israel · Updated Oct 18