OMM Newsroom
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian appointed Mehrdad Akhlaqi Ketabchi as the country’s new defense minister on Monday after parliament approved his nomination, according to Anadolu Agency.
Pezeshkian issued a decree naming Ketabchi minister of defense and armed forces logistics under Articles 87 and 133 of Iran’s Constitution, following a vote of confidence in parliament.
Under Iran’s Constitution, ministers nominated by the president must receive parliamentary approval before taking office. The president then issues a decree confirming their appointment.
The Iranian presidency confirmed Ketabchi had won parliament’s approval but did not disclose the vote count or how many lawmakers backed his nomination.
In the decree, Pezeshkian called on the new minister to work toward the government’s objectives and address the country’s challenges.
Ketabchi replaces Aziz Nasirzadeh, who was killed during the military conflict between Iran and the US earlier this year.
The appointment comes amid continuing tensions between Tehran and Washington after months of military confrontation and disputes over maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s Defense Ministry oversees the country’s defense industries, military equipment production and logistical support for the armed forces, including the regular army and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
