Iran appoints missile-industry veteran as defense minister, vows to rebuild military and resist US

Iran has appointed Mehdi Mehrabani, a senior missile-industry figure, as permanent defense minister, eight months after his predecessor was killed in a US-led strike. Mehrabani pledges to rebuild the military industry and strengthen the 'Axis of Resistance', while issuing a defiant threat to Trump. The appointment signals continuity in Iran's defense posture and potential acceleration of missile programs, though the operational impact remains uncertain.