Mohammad-Reza Gharaei Ashtiani
25 August 2021 – 21 August 2024
Mohammad Mokhber (acting)
Tehran, Iran[citation needed]
AJA University of Command and Staff
Supreme National Defense University
- 23rd Takavar Division
- Imam Ali Officers' Academy
Mohammad-Reza Gharaei Ashtiani (Persian: محمدرضا قرایی آشتیانی) is an Iranian military officer and Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces from 28 August 2024. Gharaei Ashtiani served as the former minister of defence in Iran.[1] Ashtiani was sworn in on 25 August 2021, replacing Brigadier General Amir Hatami who held role since 2017.
Military career
Ashtiani was promoted to the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Islamic Republic of Iran (Artesh) on 2 July 2019, following a decree by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Ashtiani replaced Major General Ataollah Salehi. He was selected to be the Minister of Defense by President Ebrahim Raisi and then was approved for the position and took office on 25 August 2021.[citation needed]
Defense Minister
Ashtiani’s selection for the position was favored by outgoing minister Amir Hatami who called Ashtiani the “best candidate” for position. Ashtiani said that he would prioritize exporting various defense products to other countries around the world.[citation needed]
International Sanctions
On May 31, 2024, Ashtiani was placed on an EU sanctions list by the EU Council. He is accused of facilitating and providing material support to Russia's war against Ukraine by supplying Iranian weaponry, namely unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), to Russia's Armed Forces.[2]
References
- ^ "Iran's defense min. congratulates counterparts on Christmas", Mehr News Agency, 1 January 2022.
- ^ "COUNCIL IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2024/1604 of 31 May 2024 implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/1529 concerning restrictive measures in view of Iran's military support to Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and to armed groups and entities in the Middle East and the Red Sea region". Official Journal of the European Union.
Government offices | ||
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Preceded by | Minister of Defense 2021–2024 | Succeeded by |
Military offices | ||
Preceded by | Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces 2019–2021 | Succeeded by |
Preceded by Habib Baghaei | Second-in-Command of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army 2005–2008 | Succeeded by |
Preceded by Unknown | Second-in-Command of the Ground Force 1999–2005 | Succeeded by Unknown |
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