Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Monday appointed Mehrdad Akhlaqi Ketabchi as the country’s new defence minister following his approval by parliament, according to the Iranian presidency.
Pezeshkian issued a decree appointing Ketabchi as minister of defence and armed forces logistics under Articles 87 and 133 of Iran’s Constitution, after lawmakers granted him a vote of confidence.
Under Iran’s constitutional framework, ministerial nominees put forward by the president must secure parliamentary approval before formally assuming office. The president then issues a decree confirming their appointment.
The Iranian presidency confirmed Ketabchi’s approval but did not disclose the voting figures or the number of lawmakers who supported his nomination.
In the appointment decree, Pezeshkian urged the new minister to pursue the government’s objectives and work toward addressing the country’s challenges.
Ketabchi succeeds Aziz Nasirzadeh, who was killed during the military conflict between Iran and the United States earlier this year.
His appointment comes amid continuing tensions between Tehran and Washington following months of military confrontation and disputes over maritime security in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics is responsible for overseeing defence industries, military equipment production and logistical support for the country’s armed forces, including the regular army and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
The appointment places Ketabchi at the head of a key government institution as Iran continues to navigate security challenges and strained relations with the United States.
