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The geopolitical equations of Central Asia and West Asia have once again reached a very sensitive point, as Iran’s Parliament has officially approved the name of Mehrdad Akhlaghi Ketabchi as the country’s new Defense Minister. The appointment of Akhlaghi, who received overwhelming support in the confidence vote in Parliament after being nominated by President Masoud Pezeshkian, has come at a time when tensions between Iran and Western countries are at their peak globally. As soon as he took charge of the Defense Ministry, he has started showing sharp attitude towards America and its allies, which has made it clear that regional politics is going to become more aggressive in the coming days.
Who is Mehrdad Akhlaghi and what is his past history?
Mehrdad Akhlaghi is considered a highly experienced and prominent face of Iran’s military and defense industrial structure. During his educational journey, he earned a degree in Chemical Engineering from Amirkabir University of Technology and then completed a master’s degree in Strategic Management from Malik Ashtar University of Technology. His technical proficiency and strategic understanding have played an important role in taking him to the top of Iran’s defense system. He has worked very closely with Hassan Tehrani Moghaddam, one of the founding faces of the missile program of the Iranian Army’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Additionally, he has made unprecedented contributions in the field of solid-propellant missile systems and space research while leading the Shahid Bagheri Industrial Group (SBIG).
Deep expertise in the field of missile and defense technology
Akhlaghi is considered the chief architect of Iran’s modern missile and drone network. In his career so far, he has also worked to strengthen the country’s defense production capabilities as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Aerospace Industries Organization (AIO). His working style has always revolved around research, design and manufacturing of state-of-the-art weapons. After assuming the post of Defense Minister, his priorities include the launch of military satellites, expansion of space-based intelligence technology and more modernizing the country’s strategic weapons arsenal. Apart from this, he is also working on a plan to connect the country’s private tech companies and research labs with the defense manufacturing chain along with the traditional government infrastructure so that the pace of production can be further accelerated.
Facing strict sanctions from America and western countries
Mehrdad Akhlaghi is recognized globally as a defense expert who has been under sanctions from Western countries for a long time. The US Treasury Department had imposed strict sanctions against him in the year 2008 itself. Subsequently, due to their links with missile development and systems capable of carrying nuclear weapons, the United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union (EU) also imposed stringent sanctions and travel restrictions on them in the year 2023. Despite all these restrictions from the international community, Iran’s Parliament making him the Defense Minister indicates that Tehran is in no mood to step back from its strategic and defense programs, rather it is firm on its aggressive policy.
Gave strict warning to America as soon as he took charge
As soon as he assumed office, Mehrdad Akhlaghi made his stance clear. According to media reports, while issuing a warning to the US administration and the region, they have clearly stated that if America or its allies make the mistake of launching a new military attack on Iran, they will have to face very serious consequences. Citing regional stability, he has also expressed sharp reaction to the security of American military personnel and strategic bases. Analysts believe the arrival of a technically proficient and aggressive leader to the post left vacant after the previous defense minister was killed during the conflict in February could further complicate the balance of power in the Middle East.
Coordination between Iran’s domestic politics and military
Akhlaghi’s role is considered very important in coordinating between the army and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) within Iran. He is also considered close and trusted by the top leadership of the country, having been directly honored on several occasions. This appointment is a big message on the diplomatic front for the government of President Massoud Pezeshkian. On one hand, while the country is struggling with economic challenges and international sanctions, on the other hand, by handing over the command of the Defense Ministry to a staunch technocrat, Iran has expressed that national security and military self-reliance will remain its top priority.