KABUL: Iran’s parliament has approved Mehrdad Akhlaqi Ketabchi as the country’s new Defense Minister.
After securing lawmakers’ confidence, he warned that Tehran would deliver a broad and unexpected response if the United States and Israel launched another attack.
According to Iranian state television, Ketabchi received 237 votes in favor and 15 against.
He replaces Aziz Nasirzadeh, who was killed in U.S. and Israeli attacks on February 28. Following Nasirzadeh’s death, Majid Ibn al-Reza served as acting defense minister.