"I hope he stays alive": Iran appoints a replacement for the eliminated defense minister

The Iranian parliament approved the appointment of Mehrdad Ahlaki as the new defense minister, state media reported. The appointment comes months after the previous minister, Aziz Nasirzadeh, was eliminated in Israeli and US strikes in February. President Pezeshkian claimed Ahlaki is on an American assassination list and expressed hope he survives his term. Ahlaki previously headed Iran's Aerospace Industries Organization and is under international sanctions.

The Iranian parliament approved the appointment of Mehrdad Ahlaki as the new defense minister on Sunday, state media reported. The appointment ends a prolonged period during which the defense ministry was run by an acting minister, following the elimination of the previous minister, Aziz Nasirzadeh, in Israeli and US strikes last February. During the parliamentary debate, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed the danger facing the new minister, claiming that Ahlaki is on an American assassination list and expressing hope that he will stay alive during his term. The new defense minister previously headed Iran's Aerospace Industries Organization and is considered a senior figure in the country's defense industry, particularly in the development of missile systems. Ahlaki is under international sanctions for his activities in Iran's security apparatus. His appointment comes as Tehran attempts to rebuild its military capabilities after the strikes it suffered.