Iran appoints Mehrdad Akhlaqi Ketabchi as defense minister after parliament approval

Iran's president has appointed Mehrdad Akhlaqi Ketabchi as defense minister following parliamentary approval, replacing Aziz Nasirzadeh, who was killed during the Iran-US conflict earlier this year. This marks a leadership change in Iran's defense establishment amid ongoing tensions with the US. The appointment signals continuity in Iran's defense posture but introduces a new figure to a key security role.