Iran’s Defence Minister Warns US Of ‘Enormous Damage’

Iran’s newly appointed Defence Minister, Mehrdad Akhlaghi, has warned that the United States (US) and its allies in the Middle East will suffer “enormous damage” if Washington resumes its military campaign against Iran.

According to AFP, Akhlaghi made the threat on Sunday, shortly after Iran’s parliament approved his appointment. He said the country was prepared to defend itself against another attack.

“People can rest assured that they will most likely not dare to attack us,” Akhlaghi told reporters. “If they (the US) do, they themselves and the region will suffer enormous damage.”

Iranian lawmakers approved Akhlaghi’s appointment nearly eight months after the first US-Israeli strikes that triggered the war. State television reported that parliament had voted to confirm him as defence minister and minister for armed forces logistics.

According to the government website, Akhlaghi received 237 votes in favour out of 277 votes cast. He replaces Aziz Nasirzadeh, who was killed in a US-Israeli attack on a leadership compound on February 28. The strike also killed former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several senior military commanders.

Before the vote, Akhlaghi said he would take responsibility for the ministry at a critical time if lawmakers approved his appointment.

“If I receive parliament’s vote of confidence, responsibility for the Ministry of Defence will fall to me at a sensitive juncture,” he said, according to the ISNA news agency.

He added that defending Iran required a clear understanding of the situation, the forces shaping events and possible future developments.

Although Akhlaghi does not hold a military rank, he has worked in Iran’s Defence Ministry for 42 years. He has also led the Iranian Defence Industries Organisation, the country’s state-owned weapons manufacturer, since 2013.

The United Nations sanctioned Akhlaghi in 2007 over his alleged involvement in nuclear or ballistic missile activities.