Iran’s New Defense Minister Warns US of ‘Enormous Damage’ if Military Attacks Resume

TEHRAN (Terror Monitor) — Iran’s newly appointed Defense Minister Mehrdad Akhlaghi Ketabchi warned on Sunday that the United States and its allies across the Middle East would suffer “enormous damage” if Washington resumed military operations against Iran.

Speaking to reporters shortly after securing a parliamentary vote of confidence, Akhlaghi expressed confidence that the United States would refrain from launching another attack but warned of severe consequences if it did.

“People can rest assured that they will most likely not dare to attack us,” he said, according to a report by Agence France-Presse (AFP). “If they do, they themselves and the region will suffer enormous damage.”

His remarks came as tensions between Tehran and Washington remain high following the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran that began on February 28.

Parliament Approves New Defense Minister

Iran’s parliament approved Akhlaghi’s appointment as minister of defense and armed forces logistics on Sunday, according to Iranian state media and the official Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA).

The government reported that Akhlaghi received 237 votes in favor out of 277 votes cast. Anadolu Agency reported that 15 lawmakers voted against his appointment, with no abstentions recorded in the reported tally.

The appointment comes nearly eight months after the conflict began with US-Israeli strikes against Iran, which killed several senior Iranian officials, including then-Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh.

Nasirzadeh was killed on February 28, the first day of the military campaign, alongside former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior figures, according to reports by international news agencies. Majid Ebn al-Reza had served as acting defense minister following Nasirzadeh’s death.

Akhlaghi’s appointment formally fills the position at a critical stage for Iran’s military leadership and defense establishment.

New Minister Takes Office at a Sensitive Moment

Before the parliamentary vote, Akhlaghi told lawmakers that he would assume responsibility for the Defense Ministry at a particularly sensitive time.

According to Iran’s ISNA news agency, he stressed that national defense required a clear understanding of the security environment, an assessment of the forces shaping regional and international developments, and preparation for different possible scenarios.

His comments underscored the challenges facing Iran as it seeks to strengthen its military capabilities and prepare for the possibility of renewed hostilities with the United States and Israel.

Akhlaghi also pledged to strengthen Iran’s defense-industrial capabilities. In remarks reported by Anadolu Agency, he said his priorities included expanding domestic defense production, advancing research and technology, and adapting the Defense Ministry’s structure to emerging security threats.

Decades of Experience in Iran’s Defense Industry

Although Akhlaghi does not hold a military rank, he has worked in Iran’s Defense Ministry for approximately 42 years and has held senior positions in the country’s defense-industrial sector.

According to reports by AFP and The Straits Times, he has headed Iran’s Defense Industries Organization since 2013. His professional background includes senior roles in state-run defense manufacturing and aerospace-related industries.

His appointment places a veteran defense-industry official in charge of a ministry responsible for Iran’s military procurement, defense production and logistical support for its armed forces.

The role is particularly significant given the damage inflicted on Iranian military infrastructure and the deaths of senior commanders during the conflict.

United Nations Sanctions and Missile-Related Activities

Akhlaghi has previously been subject to international sanctions over his alleged involvement in Iran’s missile-related activities.

United Nations Security Council sanctions records from 2007 list Mehrdada Akhlaghi Ketabachi in connection with his role as head of the Shahid Bagheri Industrial Group, which was identified as being involved in Iran’s ballistic missile programme.

The United States has also imposed sanctions on Iranian defense-related entities and individuals over activities linked to Tehran’s nuclear and missile programmes. Washington has said such measures are intended to restrict the development and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems.

Akhlaghi’s elevation to the Defense Ministry comes as Iran faces continuing pressure over its military capabilities and the prospect of renewed confrontation with Washington.

His warning that another US attack would result in substantial damage to American interests and the wider region signals Tehran’s determination to maintain a deterrent posture, although it remains uncertain whether the two countries will resume direct military hostilities.

Terror Monitor will continue to follow developments surrounding Iran’s military leadership, its relations with the United States and the wider regional security situation.