{
  "id": 15393538,
  "title": "Iran names new defence minister as he warns US over ‘Mother of All Bombs’",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/iran-names-new-defence-minister-as-he-warns-us-over-mother-of-all-15393538",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-18T09:57:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National Business",
    "slug": "the-national-business",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2026/10/18/iran-names-new-defence-minister-as-he-warns-us-over-mother-of-all-bombs/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Iran's parliament has chosen Mehrdad Ketabchi as the new Defence Minister, with overwhelming support from his colleagues. Ketabchi informed the US that Tehran is ready to counteract any potential attack utilizing the formidable \"Mother of All Bombs\". He secured 237 votes in favor and 15 against, with no abstentions, following a thorough review of his credentials and proposed plan. President Masoud Pezeshkian nominated Ketabchi on October 5, and parliament subsequently voted in his favor. Ketabchi replaces Brig Gen Aziz Nasirzadeh, who was tragically killed in a US-Israeli air strike at the beginning of the conflict. Pezeshkian subsequently appointed Brig Gen Majid Ebn Al Reza as interim defence minister.\n\nKetabchi is a seasoned defence industry expert, who was previously in charge of Iran's Aerospace Industries Organisation and Defence Industries Organisation, overseeing sectors related to missile technology and weapons production. The US and UN have imposed sanctions on him due to his alleged involvement in Iran's ballistic missile program. In his presentation to parliament, Ketabchi assured that Iran has taken the required steps to counter a possible US attack involving the \"Mother of All Bombs\". He expressed confidence in Iran's ability to handle the situation and reassured that the country is proceeding with its work with full confidence.\n\nDuring an interview with reporters, Ketabchi addressed US President Donald Trump, urging Washington to focus on the safe withdrawal of its troops from the region. He cautioned that if the US were to drop a single bomb, it would result in the evacuation of American forces from the region, either on foot or in a horizontal position. Ketabchi emphasized the deterrent effect of the threat of retaliation, stating that it has so far prevented Washington from launching an attack. He warned that if the US moves from rhetoric to actual threats, they will face the consequences. CNN reported that the US had developed strike plans involving the use of the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast bomb, also known as the Mother of All Bombs, against Iranian energy infrastructure and nuclear sites, should President Trump order renewed combat operations. The bomb is the largest non-nuclear bomb in the US arsenal.\n\nIranian Army deputy executive co-ordinator Brig Gen Alireza Sheikh informed the media that the military's equipment has been upgraded, and its forces are prepared to respond to any threat. He spoke on Sunday in response to potential threats involving the use of the bomb against Iran, stating that Iranian people are the \"fathers of bombs\" and can deliver a more destructive impact than what the enemy anticipates.",
  "summary": "Iran’s parliament has approved Mehrdad Ketabchi as Defence Minister, the government said. Mr Ketabchi gave Washington a warning that Tehran was prepared to respond to a possible US attack involving the “Mother of All Bombs”. He received 237 votes in favour and 15 against, with no abstentions, following a review of his credentials and proposed programme, said a government statement posted on X.…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 7,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Ajel English",
        "title": "Iranian parliament approves Mehrdad Akhlaghi as defense minister",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/iranian-parliament-approves-mehrdad-akhlaghi-as-defense-minister",
        "published": "2026-10-18T08:36:58.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Business Recorder",
        "title": "Iran's parliament approves Mehrdad Akhlaqi as minister of defence, state media",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/irans-parliament-approves-mehrdad-akhlaqi-as-minister-of-defence",
        "published": "2026-10-18T08:37:51.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Al-Monitor",
        "title": "Iran's parliament approves Mehrdad Akhlaqi as minister of defence",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/irans-parliament-approves-mehrdad-akhlaqi-as-minister-of-defence-15392587",
        "published": "2026-10-18T09:46:26.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The National UAE",
        "title": "Iran names new defence minister as he warns US over ‘Mother of All Bombs’",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/iran-names-new-defence-minister-as-he-warns-us-over-mother-of-all",
        "published": "2026-10-18T09:57:03.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Middle East Eye",
        "title": "Iran's new defence minister issues warning to the US",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/irans-new-defence-minister-issues-warning-to-the-us",
        "published": "2026-10-18T09:59:56.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Iran’s parliament approves new defence minister",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/irans-parliament-approves-new-defence-minister",
        "published": "2026-10-18T10:20:19.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}