Iran's New Defense Minister Mehrdad Ketabchi Cautions the US

Mehrdad Akhlaghi Ketabchi was confirmed on Sunday as Iran’s minister of defense and armed forces logistics, receiving 237 votes in favor and 15 against. Responding to threats of renewed bombing, he warned that carrying them out would cause massive damage to the United States and the region. He replaces Aziz Nasirzadeh, who was killed on February 28, the first day of joint US-Israeli strikes. A veteran defense official and missile-industry specialist, Ketabchi is subject to international sanctions.