Mehrdad Akhlaghi Ketabchi was appointed as the new Iranian Minister of Defense on 18 October 2026. The Iranian Parliament confirmed this appointment with an overwhelming majority vote. His selection to lead the ministry follows the formal nomination process within the government of Iran. Parliament members cast their ballots to secure the transition of the defense portfolio to the new minister. Official proceedings concluded on 18 October 2026, finalizing the administrative change for the cabinet. Mehrdad Akhlaghi Ketabchi assumes his new duties immediately following the legislative confirmation.
The parliamentary session held on 18 October 2026 served as the final stage of the cabinet transition. During the proceedings, representatives reviewed the credentials of the nominee before moving to a formal vote. The overwhelming majority vote reflects the legislative support for the candidate proposed by the government of Iran. This confirmation process ensures that the Ministry of Defense transitions to new leadership under the established legal framework of the state.
Background of New Minister
Mehrdad Akhlaghi Ketabchi brings a background in engineering to the position of Minister of Defense. His professional history includes serving as the head of the Aerospace Industries Organization, a state-affiliated entity involved in the development of missile technology. Before his ministerial appointment, he spent years managing technical projects within the organization’s operations. As an engineer, he oversaw complex technical developments that define the current scope of the Aerospace Industries Organization. His tenure at the head of this organization provided him with extensive experience in the oversight of national defense projects.
International authorities have maintained sanctions against the new minister for nearly two decades. These measures, imposed by various global powers, target individuals and organizations associated with the Iranian defense and aerospace sectors. His inclusion on international restricted lists has remained a consistent factor in his professional career since the initial sanctions were applied. The duration of these international sanctions spans almost twenty years, marking a significant period of restricted engagement with foreign entities. Despite these long-standing international measures, Mehrdad Akhlaghi Ketabchi has continued to hold high-ranking roles within the Iranian defense infrastructure.
Government officials in Iran are currently pursuing a strategy to decentralize military infrastructure. This initiative aims to disperse assets and facilities across different locations to reduce vulnerability to targeted strikes. The shift in organizational planning seeks to ensure that key defense capabilities remain operational even if specific sites face external military pressure. By moving away from centralized hubs, the administration intends to enhance the resilience of its defense network. This strategic shift in infrastructure management represents a core component of the current government's approach to national security. The implementation of this policy involves the relocation of key assets to various sites, ensuring that the defense sector maintains operational continuity in the face of potential challenges. The Ministry of Defense will oversee the execution of these decentralization efforts as part of its new administrative mandate.
