Iranian president appoints Mehrdad Akhlaqi Ketabchi as defense minister after parliament approval
- New defense chief replaces Aziz Nasirzadeh, who was killed during Iran-US conflict earlier this year
By Sahin Demir
ISTANBUL (AA) – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian appointed Mehrdad Akhlaqi Ketabchi as the country’s new defense minister on Monday following his approval by parliament, according to the Iranian presidency.
Pezeshkian issued a decree appointing Ketabchi as minister of defense and armed forces logistics under Articles 87 and 133 of Iran’s Constitution after he received a vote of confidence from the Iranian parliament.
Under Iran’s Constitution, ministers nominated by the president must receive a vote of confidence from parliament before formally taking office. The president subsequently issues a decree confirming their appointment.
The presidency confirmed that Ketabchi had secured parliamentary approval but did not provide details of the vote, including the number of lawmakers who supported his nomination.
In the decree, Pezeshkian called on the new minister to work toward achieving the government’s objectives and addressing the country’s challenges.
Ketabchi replaces Aziz Nasirzadeh, who was killed during the military conflict between Iran and the US earlier this year.
The appointment comes amid continuing tensions between Tehran and Washington following months of military confrontation and disputes over maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s Defense Ministry oversees the country’s defense industries, military equipment production and logistical support for the armed forces, including the regular army and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Şahin Demir