Iran's defense minister says upgraded capabilities have changed enemy calculations

Iran's newly appointed Defense Minister Mehrdad Akhlaghi addressed an open session of the Iranian Parliament on Sunday, stating that the country's defensive capabilities have been upgraded following the 12-day war waged jointly by the United States and the Zionist regime. According to Akhlaghi, these upgrades have altered the enemy's assessments and calculations and created deep doubt among enemies regarding the continuation of the war. He began his speech by commemorating the founding father of the Islamic Revolution Imam Khomeini (RA), the martyred Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, all martyrs of the Islamic Revolution, and martyred defense ministers, especially former Minister of Defense Major General Aziz Nasirzadeh.

Akhlaghi emphasized that Iran has taken all necessary measures to counter the "Mother of All Bombs" and expressed confidence in the country's preparations. He stated that the enemy is facing a strategic deadlock because changes are underway in the nature of threats, the logic of military power, the technological environment, and the regional order. He added that Iran's defensive strength depends not only on operational capabilities but also on its understanding of the strategic environment. "Since the 12-day war, our defense capabilities have been upgraded and modernized in ways that have changed the enemy's assessments and calculations," he noted.

The defense minister criticized US President Donald Trump for using the sacred term 'mother' for a bomb to threaten Iran, saying, "If he drops a bomb, he should consider how many of his troops might have to be carried out in body bags. If he follows through on his threats, he will have to face the dire consequences." He also pointed to the hybrid nature of modern warfare, which integrates military engagement with economic sanctions, cyber warfare, supply chain disruption, information warfare, and restriction of access to technology. He stressed that effectively addressing these threats requires a comprehensive understanding of the environment and preparedness to counter various dimensions of such warfare.

In conclusion, Akhlaghi thanked President Pezeshkian for his trust and the unwavering support of high-ranking military officials in nominating him for the responsibility of guiding the Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics. Earlier on Sunday, Iranian lawmakers voted for Mehrdad Akhlaghi Ketabchi to appoint him as the Minister of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics after reviewing his plans and qualifications. He succeeds Major General Aziz Nasirzadeh, the previous defense minister, who was martyred during attacks by the United States and the Zionist regime on February 28. According to Mehr News, the parliamentary session underscored the new minister's focus on modernizing Iran's defense posture amid evolving threats.