Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Sunday urged parliament to give a decisive vote of confidence to defense minister-designate Mehdi Akhlaghi Ketabchi, citing his 42 years of experience at the Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics and stressing that the administration, parliament and public stand united in supporting the armed forces.
Speaking at an online parliamentary session reviewing the nominee’s qualifications, President Pezeshkian commended the armed forces for their sacrifices in defending the country and said their performance had drawn attention and admiration across the region and internationally.
He said Akhlaghi Ketabchi’s academic qualifications, technical expertise and experience in defense structures made him a suitable candidate for the post. His four decades of service, during which he had advanced from lower-level technical positions to senior management, provided a solid basis for confidence in his capabilities, the president added.
President Pezeshkian also acknowledged the contributions of defense figures and scientists, including martyrs Hassan Tehrani Moghaddam and Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, saying their efforts had helped strengthen Iran’s defense capabilities.
The president said Iran had not initiated aggression against another country in the past two centuries and had no intention of attacking any nation. However, he stressed that the country would defend its territorial integrity with full force against any attack.
Iranians do not seek the territory of other countries, and they will not allow anyone to covet their land, President Pezeshkian said, emphasizing that national unity and public solidarity were as important to Iran’s defense as its military capabilities.
He thanked Iranians who had supported the country and helped preserve national unity despite their grievances, saying collective resolve was essential to deterring external threats.
President Pezeshkian also identified the livelihoods and housing of military personnel as priorities for the government and the nominee. He said the administration would continue supporting efforts to address the housing and financial needs of military, defense and security personnel despite existing shortcomings and resource constraints.
The president noted that Akhlaghi Ketabchi enjoyed professional and organizational support across the armed forces, the Army, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps, the Defense Ministry and security institutions.
He called on lawmakers to approve the nominee by a decisive margin, saying such a vote would demonstrate national solidarity and support for those working to strengthen the country’s defense infrastructure.
President Pezeshkian concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to serving the public and resisting pressure from countries seeking to impose their will on Iran.
Akhlaghi Ketabchi, President Pezeshkian’s nominee, won parliament’s confidence in parliament’s online session to become minister of defense and armed forces logistics.