Akhlaghi named new Iranian Defense Minister

Mehrdad Akhlaghi has become Iran's new Defense Minister after parliament approved his candidacy, with 237 lawmakers voting in favour and 15 against, local media reported on October 18.

Majid Ibn al‑Reza had been serving as acting head of the ministry.

Akhlaghi succeeds Aziz Nasirzadeh, who was killed in attacks by the United States and Israel in February this year.