Iran's new defence minister is a missile man, not a military man

Iran's new Defence Minister, Mehrdad Akhlaghi, is a missile specialist rather than a military officer. President Masoud Pezeshkian appointed him in October 2026, a decision that is particularly significant given the current geopolitical tensions. Akhlaghi is a veteran of Iran's military-industrial complex, with a deep connection to missile development and production. This is especially noteworthy as Iran's government relies heavily on its missile arsenal for survival.

Born in 1958 in Rasht, Akhlaghi is not widely known outside military circles, but he has been under UN sanctions since 2007 for his role in Iran's ballistic missile program. These sanctions were imposed by Western nations, including the US, EU, and Britain, reflecting the international concern over Iran's missile capabilities.

Akhlaghi's career began in chemical engineering and strategic management, culminating in his senior role in Iran's missile industry by the mid-2000s. His rise in the defence industrial sector came at a time when Iran was at war with Iraq and facing international isolation. His appointment as Defence Minister thus brings a long-time insider into the public eye.

Political connections play a crucial role in Iran's political landscape, and Akhlaghi's past associations have bolstered his rise. President Pezeshkian's nomination included Akhlaghi's former colleagues Hassan Tehrani Moghaddam, Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, and Amir Ali Hajizadeh. All were prominent figures in the Islamic Republic's strategic military establishment.

Fakhrizadeh, a top nuclear programme figure, and Hajizadeh, who commanded the Revolutionary Guards' Aerospace Force, were killed in recent years, while Moghaddam, known as the "father of Iran’s missile programme," died in an explosion reportedly orchestrated by Israel.

Akhlaghi's ties to these key figures place him at the nexus of Iran's defence ministry and some of the most sensitive military programmes. His association with these individuals, though unclear in terms of his role, solidifies his position as a surviving member of the generation that built Iran's strategic deterrent.