Iran's proposed defense minister discusses weapons production with IRGC commander

Fars News: Fars News is an Iranian news agency linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. It reported on the meeting between proposed defense minister Mehrdad Akhlaghi and IRGC commander Ahmad Vahidi regarding weapons production and inter-agency cooperation. The outlet regularly covers Iran’s military and security developments. Ahmad Vahidi: Ahmad Vahidi serves as commander-in-chief of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). He emphasizes domestic capabilities to fulfill defense requirements and sustain military readiness. Vahidi engaged with the defense minister nominee on deepening ties between the Defense Ministry’s industries and the IRGC. Mehrdad Akhlaghi: Mehrdad Akhlaghi is Iran’s proposed defense minister, nominated by President Masoud Pezeshkian after the previous minister’s assassination. He focuses on restructuring the Defense Ministry, advancing defense technologies, and bolstering military capabilities. Akhlaghi met with IRGC commander Ahmad Vahidi to discuss sustaining weapons production during wartime and expanding cooperation with the IRGC. Military Readiness: Recent efforts focus on integrating advanced systems and maintaining production lines to ensure armed forces support. Defense Cooperation: Iran’s Defense Ministry and IRGC coordinate on industrial capabilities to support sustained weapons production and military readiness. Indigenous Capabilities: IRGC leadership prioritizes domestic resources and technology upgrades to meet defense needs amid regional challenges.