Iran's new Minister of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics, Mehrdad Akhlaghi Ketabchi, warned the United States on Sunday after his confirmation by the parliament.
"If their slogans turn into action, you’ll see the result," Ketabchi said in response to threats of renewed bombing. "There will be massive damage to both them and the region."
Ketabchi secured 237 votes in favor and 15 against in a virtual session attended by 277 lawmakers. He replaces Aziz Nasirzadeh, who was killed on February 28, the first day of joint US-Israeli strikes.
President Masoud Pezeshkian said "the decisive vote" sent a loud message to the world, noting that parliament's alignment with the government showed unity and resolute support for the military.
Ketabchi, a veteran Defense Ministry official who helped develop Iran’s missile industry, previously headed the Shahid Bagheri Industrial Group and later the Aerospace Industries Organization.
The appointment of the 68-year-old defense engineer and missile industry specialist signals Tehran's focus on rebuilding and expanding the country’s defense-industrial capabilities after two wars.
Ketabchi is subject to international sanctions by the United States, the United Kingdom, the United Nations, and the European Union, due to his links to Iran's arms-related activities and ballistic missile program.
On Sunday, Iran's National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei said "the ramblings and repeated threats from American and Zionist officials" have no effect on the reality of the field.
"Iran's armed forces have prepared a more devastating plan than the 12- and 40-day wars for a new adventure," he wrote on X. "Iran's new operational plan will not proceed with rules that they know."