Iran’s Mehrdad Akhlaghi warns US of casualties and regional destruction
Mehrdad Akhlaghi has taken office as Iran’s new defense minister following a parliamentary vote on October 18, 2026, stepping into the role nearly eight months after his predecessor was killed in an initial US-Israeli strike, detikNews reported.
Iranian Parliament Approves Mehrdad Akhlaqi Ketabchi as Defense Minister
The Iranian parliament voted by video conference to approve Mehrdad Akhlaqi Ketabchi as the country’s new defense minister, according to reports from ANTARA News and IRIB. Akhlaghi secured 237 votes in favor out of 277 total votes cast, with 15 opposing votes and no abstentions. He replaces Aziz Nasirzadeh, who died alongside former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior military commanders during a February 28 strike on a leadership complex. Majid Ebn al-Reza had served as interim defense minister in the intervening months, as noted by Investing.
Before the confirmation vote, Akhlaghi told the Islamic Consultative Assembly that defending the nation requires a clear understanding of current regional developments and preparation for future scenarios, according to ISNA. Akhlaqi also stated that he has been on an enemies’ “hit list” for 35 years.
Meskipun tidak memegang pangkat militer, Akhlaghi telah bekerja di kementerian pertahanan selama beberapa dekade dan sebelumnya memimpin Organisasi Industri Dirgantara Iran. The United Nations sanctioned Akhlaghi in 2007 over alleged involvement in nuclear or ballistic missile activities, and he is also subject to United States and European Union sanctions.
Direct Threats to US Forces and Regional Allies
Following his confirmation, Akhlaghi warned that the United States and its Middle Eastern allies would face severe consequences if Washington continues its military campaign against Tehran. He asserted that Iran has taken precautions against potential US deployments of the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast, commonly known as the “mother of all bombs,” which Pentagon briefings have presented to Donald Trump as an option against Iranian energy and nuclear infrastructure. ANTARA News reported that Akhlaghi cautioned US leadership to consider the safety of American troops, stating that any attacks would result in significant military casualties and regional destruction.
Addressing reporters, Akhlaqi remarked: If he drops one bomb, he must see how many troops have to be taken out of the region in a horizontal position.
He further warned that if the United States and Israel commit another miscalculation, the response from the Iranian nation and Islamic fighters will be surprising and extensive, adding that Washington and its allies will bear responsibility for all regional and international consequences. Meanwhile, stating that the public can feel at ease because Washington likely will not dare to attack, Akhlaqi claimed that the preparations made by Iran are one of the reasons Washington has thus far refrained from using the weapon.
The appointment coincides with broader diplomatic maneuvers regarding the Strait of Hormuz. Abbas Araghchi stated during an Organization of Islamic Cooperation ministerial meeting that Tehran offered a seven-day plan through Qatar to restore normal navigation in the critical oil transit route, provided Washington lifts naval blockades, eases oil export restrictions, unfreezes assets, and ends hostilities in Gaza and Lebanon. President Trump previously rejected those terms, maintaining that the US has more bargaining power. Araghchi also reiterated on Saturday, October 17, 2026, that the Islamic Republic remains committed to safe and secure navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Akhlaghi Plans to Expand Defense Manufacturing and Research
In his presentation to lawmakers, Akhlaghi outlined plans to expand defense manufacturing across Iran’s industrial network, increase research, and adapt the defense ministry’s structure to current security threats. CNN Indonesia noted that Akhlaghi emphasized strengthening the “resistance front” and rebuilding military infrastructure damaged during months of regional conflict. His agenda also includes accelerating technology development and strengthening cooperation with private sector companies. Meanwhile, reporting indicates that both Washington and Benjamin Netanyahu have ruled out immediate strikes ahead of the US midterms on November 3 and the Israeli parliamentary elections on October 27.