TEHRAN -- Iran’s defense minister nominee told parliament on Monday that nearly five decades of sanctions have failed to halt the country’s defense production, pledging to overhaul military industry and reinforce air defenses as Tehran faces heightened regional tensions.
Mehrdad Akhlaghi, nominated by President Masoud Pezeshkian to lead the Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics, outlined 16 priorities during a special parliamentary session, including rebuilding industrial production infrastructure and integrating emerging technologies into defense systems.
“Iran has been under sanctions for 47 years, but have those bans managed to break the resilience of the Iranian nation?” Akhlaghi said. 
“Despite the sanctions, we have continued to manufacture equipment and provide missile support, and we have faced no major difficulties in carrying out our armed forces’ duties.” 
Akhlaghi said he would pursue air defense reinforcement through the General Staff of the Armed Forces and budget allocations, expressing hope the sector would receive greater attention. 
He also pledged to improve living conditions, housing, and medical care for active personnel and retirees, calling it “equal in importance” to other core programs.
He said 100,000 housing units have been included in this year’s armed forces plan.
Several lawmakers questioned the nominee during the session. Husseinali Hajideligani asked about his assessment of short- and long-term threats and his view on private sector participation in the defense industry. 
Muhammad Taghi Naghdali asked whether Akhlaghi believed there should be any ceiling on missile range development, and urged prioritizing military personnel for housing using surplus barracks land.
Ali Asghar Nakhaeirad criticized what he called a “traditional” approach to defense funding, saying the ministry’s extensive assets should be used to supplement the defense budget and resolve personnel welfare issues. 
The parliamentary session was held with some lawmakers present and others participating virtually. Parliament speaker’s office spokesman said the confidence vote for the defense minister nominee will be held next Sunday, October 26.
Akhlaghi said he met with military commanders over the past two weeks to record their expectations. 
“One person alone cannot accomplish the work, but if he leads a revolutionary and jihadist team and has experience himself, he will most likely achieve his goals,” he said.