Iran's new defence minister issues warning to the US

Iran’s parliament has approved Mehrdad Akhlaghi Ketabchi as the country's new defence minister, according to reports from Al-Monitor, Business Recorder, and The National UAE. Ketabchi, a veteran of the defence industry who previously headed the Aerospace Industries Organisation and the Defence Industries Organisation, received 237 votes in favour and 15 against.

He replaces interim leader Majid Ebn Al Reza, who had been serving as caretaker after the death of former minister Aziz Nasirzadeh in a US-Israeli air strike in February.

Middle East Eye reports that Ketabchi warned the United States that any further "miscalculation" would result in a response from Iran that is both extensive and surprising, noting that regional and global consequences would rest on the US and its allies. He stated that Iran's updated defensive capabilities have altered enemy assessments. The National UAE further notes that Ketabchi warned Washington of readiness to respond to a potential US attack involving the "Mother of All Bombs."

In his presentation to parliament, Ketabchi pledged to upgrade military capabilities, accelerate technology development, and restructure the ministry, according to The National UAE. He has previously been sanctioned by the US and the UN over alleged involvement in Iran’s ballistic missile programme.

Brief written by urgent.news from Middle East Eye, The National UAE, Al-Monitor, Business Recorder — 4 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.