Meet Iran’s new defense chief: A missile veteran threatening war with Israel
Mehrdad Akhlaghi threatened retaliation against Israel and US forces as he described plans to move weapons manufacturing into protected mountain sites
Iran’s newly appointed defense minister has signaled that protecting weapons production will be a priority, announcing plans to place factories underground while warning that Tehran is prepared for military confrontation.
Mehrdad Akhlaghi said future manufacturing sites would be built in mountainous locations with protective infrastructure. His remarks suggest a shift in how Iran intends to safeguard its defense industries amid concerns about a possible Israeli-American attack.
Akhlaghi is a veteran of roughly four decades in Iran’s defense sector, with particular experience developing ballistic missiles.
The minister paired his industrial plans with threats against Israel, saying Iranian forces were ready to fight and would remain on alert throughout any conflict.
He also responded to reports about the possible use of an American MOAB bomb. Dismissing the threat, Akhlaghi warned that a US strike would bring retaliation capable of killing American personnel in the region.
His comments came alongside statements from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump about their objectives toward Iran.
Netanyahu described a broad effort aimed at bringing down Iran’s government. Trump, meanwhile, said the United States had acted to destroy weapons stockpiles and suggested the operation would conclude soon.