Chief Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Major General Ahmad Vahidi says Iran’s defense readiness depends on domestic capabilities, sustained production and the development of strategic technologies.

Vahidi made the remarks during a meeting with Mehdi Akhlaghi Ketabchi, the proposed minister of defense and armed forces logistics, on Wednesday.

The two sides discussed the role of the defense industry in supporting the armed forces, maintaining the production of defense equipment and weapons during wartime, and expanding cooperation between the industrial sectors of the Defense Ministry and the IRGC.

Referring to the efforts of specialists and personnel in Iran’s defense industry during the two rounds of the US-Israeli war on Iran, Vahidi emphasized the strategic role of domestic capabilities in meeting defense requirements and supporting combat forces.

“Reliance on domestic knowledge, the determination of specialists and the uninterrupted production of defense equipment are among the key factors in maintaining the armed forces’ readiness and countering potential threats from enemies,” he said.

Vahidi also underscored the importance of maximizing the use of domestic resources, saying that closer cooperation between the operational and industrial sectors of the armed forces would help enhance combat capabilities, improve defense readiness, and strengthen the country’s deterrence.

Highlighting Akhlaghi’s experience and capabilities in advancing the defense industry, the IRGC commander stressed the need to harness the country’s scientific and industrial potential, develop strategic technologies, strengthen production infrastructure, and continuously draw on domestic expertise in line with present and future defense requirements.

Long-term sanctions failed to hinder Iran’s defense production: Minister nominee

The Iranian defense minister nominee says sanctions against Iran for almost half a century have failed to prevent the Islamic Republic from producing defense equipment.

For his part, Akhlaghi expressed the Defense Ministry’s readiness to prioritize effective support for the armed forces and ensure the stability of production chains while advancing technology, particularly in strategic weapons systems.

The proposed defense minister also highlighted the capabilities and preparedness of Iran’s defense industries to expand cooperation with corresponding sectors of the IRGC.

He underscored joint efforts in the design, production, supply and maintenance of defense equipment, as well as closer coordination between the armed forces’ industrial and operational sectors to maximize existing capabilities, enhance defense readiness, and meet military requirements.

Mehdi Akhlaghi Ketabchi, is an Iranian defense industry executive. On October 5, 2026, President Masoud Pezeshkian introduced him to Parliament as the administration’s nominee for minister of defense and armed forces logistics.

The parliamentary vote of confidence on Akhlaghi’s nomination is scheduled for Sunday.