Iran’s newly appointed Defence Minister Mehrdad Akhlaghi has warned that any renewed US military action against Iran would bring serious consequences for Washington and its regional allies, as tensions between the two sides remain high.
Speaking after winning parliamentary approval on Sunday, October 18, Akhlaghi said the United States should not assume that another attack on Iran would come without a substantial response. He warned that any new offensive could inflict significant damage on both the US and the wider Middle East.
“People can rest assured that they probably will not dare to attack us,” Akhlaghi said, according to the account provided. “If they do attack, they will face enormous losses, and the entire region will suffer.”
Parliament approves new defence chief
Iran’s parliament approved Akhlaghi’s appointment as defence minister, with 237 votes in favour out of 277 votes cast, according to Iranian government figures. The vote gives him responsibility for the Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics at a critical point in the country’s confrontation with the United States and Israel.
He succeeds Aziz Nasirzadeh, who was killed in US-Israeli strikes on February 28. The same opening attacks also killed Iran’s then-supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and several senior military officials, according to reports from the conflict.
Before the vote, Akhlaghi told lawmakers that leading the defence ministry during such a sensitive period would require a clear understanding of the rapidly changing security environment, the ability to identify emerging threats and preparation for a range of possible scenarios.
Decades of experience in Iran’s defence sector
Although Akhlaghi does not hold a military rank, he has spent about 42 years working in Iran’s defence establishment. His career has included senior roles in the country’s aerospace and weapons industries.
He has also been subject to international sanctions over his reported links to Iran’s ballistic missile programme. A United Nations Security Council resolution adopted in March 2007 listed Mehrdada Akhlaghi Ketabachi, a name variant used in sanctions records, in connection with Iran’s missile-related activities.
His appointment comes as Tehran seeks to strengthen its defence production capabilities and prepare for the possibility of further military confrontation.
Warning amid fears of renewed conflict
Akhlaghi’s remarks underline Tehran’s stated intention to retaliate if the United States or Israel launches another attack. Iranian officials have repeatedly warned that renewed strikes could widen the conflict and draw other countries in the region into the fighting.
Washington has not, in the reports cited here, confirmed that it has decided to launch a new military operation against Iran. Akhlaghi’s warning therefore reflects Tehran’s position on a potential future attack rather than confirmation that another offensive is imminent.
The new defence minister now faces the task of overseeing Iran’s military-industrial capabilities while navigating an uncertain regional security situation.
