Iran’s new defense chief vows stronger ‘Resistance Front’ as parliament confirms his appointment
Iran’s parliament has approved Mehrdad Akhlaghi Ketabchi as Minister of Defense and Logistics of the Armed Forces. During a swearing‑in ceremony attended by President Masoud Pezeshkian, he said the Resistance Front would grow stronger, and framed this as a response to U.S. threats.
Iran has installed a new defense minister who is promising to reinforce the country’s network of regional allies in the face of pressure from Washington.
On Sunday, Iran’s Islamic Consultative Assembly approved Mehrdad Akhlaghi Ketabchi as Minister of Defense and Logistics of the Armed Forces. President Masoud Pezeshkian attended the swearing‑in ceremony.
In his first remarks in the role, Ketabchi said the Resistance Front would grow stronger. Iranian officials often use that term to describe Tehran’s network of aligned states and armed groups across the Middle East. His comment was presented as a direct response to threats from Washington.
The Defense and Logistics ministry oversees support for Iran’s armed forces. A pledge to strengthen the Resistance Front signals continued or increased backing for partners and proxies that Iran sees as part of its deterrent posture.
The timing of Ketabchi’s confirmation comes amid ongoing tensions between Iran and the United States. How he translates his message into budgets, arms programs and regional activities will shape how those tensions play out.
Concrete signals to watch include any public changes in Iran’s stated defense priorities, new references to the Resistance Front in official documents or speeches, and any reported shifts in the scale or sophistication of support to regional groups closely aligned with Tehran.
Sources
- OSINT