Person

Mehrdad Akhlaqi

1. Iran FM Araghchi warns US against further force; parliament approves new defence minister

   RIA Novosti reported Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned the US on social media on Oct 19: 'Last time you wanted to "finish the job", Iran only grew stronger… we too have unfinished business', and said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was dragging the US into another war to escape prison. Trump said on Oct 13 he would soon decide next steps on Iran. Reuters reported Iran's parliament on Sunday approved Mehrdad Akhlaqi Ketabchi as defence minister, ending months of caretaker status after predecessor Nasirzadeh was killed in a US-Israeli airstrike in February; Akhlaqi has long worked in Iran's defence industry, including space and missile roles, and is sanctioned by the US and EU.

   Oct 19, 2026 Afternoon