Iran parliament approves Mehrdad Akhlaghi as new defense minister

Iran's parliament voted on Sunday to confirm Mehrdad Akhlaghi Ketabchi as the country's Minister of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics, according to Mehr News Agency. The vote took place in an open session of the legislature after lawmakers reviewed his plans and qualifications for the post.

Akhlaghi succeeds Major General Aziz Nasirzadeh, the previous defense minister. According to the report, Nasirzadeh was killed during attacks that Iran attributes to the United States and the Zionist regime. The confirmation vote fills the leadership position at the ministry responsible for the country's defense affairs and armed forces logistics.

The report did not provide further details on the scope of Akhlaghi's proposed plans, the margin of the parliamentary vote, or a date for his formal inauguration. It also did not specify the timing or circumstances of the attacks in which Nasirzadeh was killed beyond attributing them to the United States and Israel.

Under Iran's constitutional process, ministers are appointed by the president and must receive a vote of confidence from the Majlis, the country's parliament. Lawmakers typically examine a nominee's background and policy program before casting their ballots in an open session.

The confirmation comes amid heightened regional tensions involving Iran, the United States and Israel. The Mehr News Agency report did not indicate whether the new minister outlined specific policy priorities during the session.

According to Mehr News Agency, the parliamentary session concluded with lawmakers approving Akhlaghi as the new defense minister following their review of his plans and qualifications.