Iran's New Defence Minister Warns of Enormous Damage if US Attacks
· World · The Hindu, NDTV
Iran's newly appointed Defence Minister Mehrdad Akhlaghi threatened to inflict "enormous damage" on the United States and its West Asian allies if Washington resumes military action against Iran. He made the statement on October 18, 2026, shortly after securing a parliamentary vote of confidence with 237 votes in favour out of 277 cast. Akhlaghi replaced Aziz Nasirzadeh, who was killed in a U.S.-Israeli attack on a leadership compound on February 28, 2026, alongside former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and senior military commanders. The minister said defending the country requires accurate environmental understanding and identification of influences, adding that if the US attacks, both they and the region will suffer enormous damage. Iran's Parliament approved his appointment nearly eight months after the initial U.S.-Israeli strikes that sparked the ongoing conflict. Akhlaghi had previously stated that responsibility for the Ministry of Defence would fall to him at a sensitiv
Why it matters
The threat raises risks of escalation in West Asia, potentially disrupting regional stability and global energy markets. India, as a major importer of Iranian crude, could face supply disruptions and price volatility if hostilities resume.
Read the original report — The Hindu
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