{
  "id": 15411763,
  "title": "New Iranian defense minister has background in missile development, broader defense industry",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/new-iranian-defense-minister-has-background-in-missile-development",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-18T13:10:32.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Jerusalem Post",
    "slug": "jerusalem-post",
    "url": "https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-912052"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Iranian parliament recently confirmed Mehrdad Akhlaghi Ketabchi as the nation's new defense minister, a move aimed at stabilizing the country's top defense leadership amid heightened tensions in the Gulf region. Iran anticipates renewed combat with either the US or Israel, prompting efforts to fortify its defenses and prepare for potential operations in the area.\n\nKetabchi is believed to have an extensive background in Iran's missile program and broader defense industry. His appointment comes after Majid Ebn al-Reza, who assumed the role temporarily following Aziz Nasirzadeh's death in a US-Israeli strike in February. The parliament endorsed Ketabchi's appointment without hesitation. He expressed his intention to revitalize Iran's defense sector upon taking office.\n\nBorn in 1958, Ketabchi pursued chemical engineering at Amirkabir University of Technology, followed by a master's degree in strategic management from Malek Ashtar University of Technology, which is linked to the Defense Ministry. His career spans over four decades in various capacities within Iranian defense industries. He was instrumental in solid-fuel missile propulsion systems and managing industrial facilities connected with ballistic missile development.\n\nKetabchi began his tenure in Iran's defense sectors in the early 1980s, serving in roles such as the head of the Shahid Bakeri Industrial Group and the managing director of the Aerospace Industries Organization. He rose to prominence in 2014 when he became the head of the Aerospace Industries Organization, subsequently taking charge of the Defense Industries Organization. His extensive involvement with Iran's Fateh-110 missile project highlights his significant contribution to the country's missile industry. Ketabchi's close association with Hassan Tehrani Moghaddam, a key figure in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps missile program, played a crucial role in his association with the development of Iran's missile industry.\n\nHowever, Ketabchi has faced sanctions from the UN due to his involvement in the missile program. In 2007, Iran listed him on a sanctions list for his alleged participation in nuclear or ballistic missile activities. The US Treasury Department followed suit in 2008, designating him as well. Ketabchi's role in Iran's missile program is well-documented, and he has also been involved in procuring essential materials for the program. This appointment of a defense minister with such a unique background marks a milestone in Iran's efforts to rebuild its missile program and bolster its defense capabilities.",
  "summary": "Ketabchi was sanctioned for his role in the missile program. In 2007, the UN listed him on a sanctions list “as an individual involved in nuclear or ballistic missile activities.”",
  "key_points": [
    "Mehrdad Akhlaghi Ketabchi confirmed as Iran's new defense minister",
    "Ketabchi has extensive background in Iran's missile program",
    "Appointed to revitalize Iran's defense sector"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "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."
}