India, Oct. 18 -- Iran's parliament has officially approved aerospace and missile industry veteran Mehrdad Akhlaghi Ketabchi as the new Minister of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics. He won a parliamentary vote of confidence on Sunday, October 18, 2026, filling a critical vacancy in the country's security leadership during ongoing regional escalations.

Details of the Appointment

The Successor: Mehrdad Akhlaghi Ketabchi is a senior Defense Ministry official who previously headed Iran's Aerospace Industries Organization. He is a veteran missile engineer closely linked to the country's space and ballistic missile programs, and he remains under extensive U.S., UK, and international sanctions.

The Predecessor: Ketabchi succeeds Major Gener...