Tehran:Appearing before Parliament on Monday, Akhlaqi outlined his strategic plans to upgrade Iran's military capabilities, should he be confirmed as the Minister of Defense. His proposed 16-point plan includes restructuring the Ministry of Defense and enhancing its industrial and production infrastructure in line with passive defense principles.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Akhlaqi emphasized the goal of developing new products and incorporating new technologies within six months. He also highlighted the importance of innovation in defense systems, improving productivity, and advancing defense diplomacy and international defense law.

Despite 47 years of sanctions, Akhlaqi noted that Iran has consistently produced equipment and provided missile support. He asserted that Iran would continue to supply the Armed Forces with necessary equipment to counter adversaries while continuously monitoring threats to update defense capabilities.

President Masoud Pezeshkian nominated Akhlaqi for the position of Minister of Defense, submitting his name for a parliamentary vote of confidence earlier this week. The parliamentary commission is set to review Akhlaqi's plans before the confidence vote, scheduled for October 18.

Akhlaqi, a senior official at the Ministry of Defense and former head of the Aerospace Industries Organization, was nominated following the assassination of former defense minister Major General Aziz Nasirzadeh in US-Israeli attacks. Brigadier General Majid Ibn al-Reza has been serving as the caretaker defense minister since then.