Iran appoints sanctioned missile official as defence minister

Mehrdad Akhlaqi Ketabchi takes office amid continuing tensions with the United States and Israel

By LineZotpaper

Published20 October 2026

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Iran’s parliament approved veteran defence official Mehrdad Akhlaqi Ketabchi as defence minister on October 18, elevating a figure sanctioned by the United Nations and the United States over his links to the country’s ballistic missile programme.

Iranian state media and international news agencies reported that Akhlaqi received 237 votes in favour and 15 against during an online parliamentary session. The reported tally also listed no abstentions and 277 votes cast, figures that do not fully reconcile.

Akhlaqi previously led Iran’s Aerospace Industries Organization and has held other senior positions in the defence sector. His name appears on the UN sanctions list as a former head of the Shahid Baqeri Industrial Group, which was designated over its role in Iran’s ballistic missile programme. He was added to the list in 2007 under measures connected to UN Security Council Resolution 1737. The United States has also sanctioned him for missile-related activities.

Before the vote, Akhlaqi warned lawmakers that Iran would respond forcefully to any further US-Israeli attack. He said such a response would be "surprising and extensive" and warned that Washington and its allies would bear the consequences.

Akhlaqi succeeds Aziz Nasirzadeh, who was killed during the initial US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28. Majid Ebn al-Reza had served as acting defence minister after Nasirzadeh’s death.

His appointment comes as Washington presses Iran for guarantees that it will not rebuild its nuclear capabilities. US Vice President JD Vance said on October 17 that the United States had achieved a decisive victory against Iran’s nuclear programme, while acknowledging that Tehran could still shape what follows. Vance said Washington wanted a long-term, verifiable commitment from Iran.

Tensions also remain high over regional energy supplies and maritime traffic. Vance cited attacks on commercial shipping and disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, while Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has threatened further attacks on Iranian infrastructure, including energy facilities.

Analysis

Why This Matters

Akhlaqi’s appointment places an official closely associated with Iran’s missile industry at the head of the defence ministry during an active confrontation with the United States and Israel.
His UN and US sanctions designations could complicate diplomacy over Iran’s missile and nuclear programmes.
Further military action could affect commercial shipping and energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz.

Background

Iran’s defence sector includes state institutions and organisations responsible for missiles, aerospace systems and military procurement. Its ballistic missile programme has long been subject to international scrutiny and sanctions.

The appointment follows US-Israeli strikes that killed Akhlaqi’s predecessor and other senior Iranian officials. Washington says Iran’s nuclear capabilities have been destroyed, but it is seeking verifiable assurances that Tehran will not rebuild them.

Key Perspectives

Iranian leadership: Akhlaqi has presented deterrence and the threat of a broad response as central to preventing further US-Israeli attacks.

United States and Israel: Washington is seeking guarantees against the restoration of Iran’s nuclear programme, while Israeli officials have threatened additional strikes on Iranian infrastructure.

Critics/Skeptics: Akhlaqi’s missile-sector background and sanctions status may deepen concerns that his appointment will reinforce confrontation rather than support negotiations.

What to Watch

Any changes in Iranian missile activity or military posture under Akhlaqi.
Progress toward the long-term, verifiable nuclear commitments sought by Washington.
Further attacks on Iranian infrastructure, commercial shipping or energy movements through the Strait of Hormuz.

Sources

Iran Names UN-Sanctioned Missile Chief As Defense Minister · RFE/RL

Checked

12 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 11 supported.

Show each claim

SupportedIran appointed a UN-sanctioned missile official as defence minister.RFE/RL: “Iran’s parliament on October 18 approved Mehrdad Akhlaqi Ketabchi as the country's new defense minister”
Partly supportedAkhlaqi has taken office as defence minister.RFE/RL: “Iran’s parliament on October 18 approved Mehrdad Akhlaqi Ketabchi as the country's new defense minister”
SupportedIran’s parliament approved Akhlaqi as defence minister on October 18.RFE/RL: “Iran’s parliament on October 18 approved Mehrdad Akhlaqi Ketabchi as the country's new defense minister”
SupportedThe reported tally was 237 votes in favour, 15 against, no abstentions and 277 votes cast, which do not fully reconcile.RFE/RL: “He received 237 votes in favor and 15 against, with no abstentions, out of 277 votes cast during an online parliamentary session.”
SupportedThe UN listed Akhlaqi as a former head of the Shahid Baqeri Industrial Group, designated for its role in Iran’s ballistic missile programme; he was added to the list in 2007, and the US also sanctioned him over missile-related activities.RFE/RL: “His name appears on the United Nations' sanctions list, which identifies him as the former head of the Shahid Baqeri Industrial Group, an organization designated for its role in Iran’s ballistic missile program. He was added to the UN list in 2007”
SupportedBefore the vote, Akhlaqi said Iran’s response to another US-Israeli attack would be “surprising and extensive.”RFE/RL: “Addressing lawmakers before the vote, Akhlaqi warned that Iran would respond forcefully to any further US-Israeli attack, saying the response would be "surprising and extensive."”
SupportedAkhlaqi succeeds Aziz Nasirzadeh, who was killed in the initial US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28.RFE/RL: “Akhlaqi succeeds Aziz Nasirzadeh, who was killed in the initial US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28.”
SupportedMajid Ebn al-Reza served as acting defence minister after Nasirzadeh’s death.RFE/RL: “Majid Ebn al-Reza had served as acting defense minister following Nasirzadeh's death.”
SupportedWashington wants a long-term, verifiable commitment from Iran not to rebuild its nuclear capabilities.RFE/RL: “Vance defended President Donald Trump's strategy, saying Washington was seeking a long-term, verifiable commitment from Iran not to revive its nuclear program”
SupportedVance said the US had achieved a decisive victory against Iran’s nuclear programme, while acknowledging that Iran could influence what happened next.RFE/RL: “US Vice President JD Vance said the United States had achieved a decisive victory against Iran's nuclear program”
SupportedVance cited attacks on commercial shipping and disruption in the Strait of Hormuz as threats to global energy supplies.RFE/RL: “Vance also warned that attacks on commercial shipping and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz threatened global energy supplies and contributed to higher fuel prices.”
SupportedIsraeli Defence Minister Israel Katz threatened further attacks on Iranian infrastructure, including energy facilities.RFE/RL: “Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has threatened attacks on Iranian infrastructure, including energy facilities, warning that further strikes could send the country back to the Stone Age.”