Iran Prez nominates new defence minister, 7 months after Nasirzadeh’s assassination
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has nominated Mehrdad Akhlaghi as the new defence minister following a long vacancy. Meanwhile, government forces in Yemen have launched a major offensive against Houthi rebels near the strategic Bab al-Mandeb strait.
Why it matters
The appointment and the escalation in Yemen have significant implications for regional stability and maritime security in the Middle East.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Monday nominated Mehrdad Akhlaghi as his pick to head the defence ministry, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency.Akhlaghi most recently held a senior executive post within the ministry itself, and earlier served as chief operating officer of the Aerospace Industries Organisation.The Iranian Parliament is expected to review Akhlaghi’s proposed plans in the relevant committee before holding a confidence vote.The ministry has had no permanent leader since the beginning of the US-Iran war, when brigadier general Aziz Nasirzadeh was killed during the initial airstrikes. Since then, a number of military commanders have led the ministry on a temporary basis.Yemen launches major operation against HouthisOn the ground in Yemen, the army of the internationally recognised government says it has retaken the Dhubab district along with key positions close to Bab al-Mandeb.
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