Mohammad-Reza Gharaei Ashtiani Explained

Honorific Prefix:Amir
Mohammad-Reza Gharaei Ashtiani
Birth Place:Tehran, Iran
Branch:Ground Forces
Serviceyears:1980–present
Rank: Brigadier General
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Battles:
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Mohammad-Reza Gharaei Ashtiani (Persian: محمدرضا قرایی آشتیانی) is an Iranian military officer who serves as the current 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.

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.

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]

Notes and References

  1. https://en.mehrnews.com/news/182429/Iran-s-defense-min-congratulates-counterparts-on-Christmas "Iran's defense min. congratulates counterparts on Christmas"
  2. Web site: 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.