Iran’s New Defense Chief Vows Retaliation Against US Strikes

The Islamic Consultative Assembly confirmed Akhlaghi’s appointment with 237 votes out of 277, marking a shift in leadership eight months into the ongoing conflict. He succeeds Aziz Nasirzadeh, who died alongside former supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a US-Israeli strike on a leadership compound on February 28.

Despite lacking a formal military rank, the 42-year veteran of the defense ministry brings decades of experience to the role, having led the Iranian Defence Industries Organisation since 2013. His history with the state’s primary weapons manufacturer remains a point of international scrutiny, as the United Nations sanctioned him in 2007 for alleged involvement in nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Akhlaghi now assumes control of the nation's logistics and military strategy as the country navigates a prolonged war environment.