Tehran:Salar Velayatmadar, chairman of the Iranian Parliament's Defense Committee, has shown strong support for the nomination of Mehrdad Akhlaqi as the new Minister of Defense. He emphasized that Akhlaqi's appointment could significantly boost the country's deterrence capabilities and the pace of advancements in defense.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Velayatmadar highlighted Akhlaqi's extensive background in the defense industry and his involvement in Iranian missile programs. He expressed confidence that Akhlaqi would secure a decisive vote of confidence from parliament, noting his commendations from the martyred Leader of the Islamic Revolution and trust from both the Army and the IRGC.

President Masoud Pezeshkian has nominated Akhlaqi to serve as the Minister of Defense, submitting his name to the Iranian Parliament earlier this week. The nomination will undergo a review by the relevant parliamentary commission before a vote of confidence is held on October 18.

Akhlaqi, a senior official at Iran's Ministry of Defense, has previously led the Aerospace Industries Organization, among other roles. His nomination comes after the martyrdom of Major General Aziz Nasirzadeh, the former Minister of Defense, who was assassinated in US-Israeli attacks on Tehran. Brigadier General Majid Ibn al-Reza was appointed as the caretaker defense minister following Nasirzadeh's death.