Iran’s new Defence Minister has sent a strong message to President Donald Trump: any American attack on Iran would be a serious threat to US forces across the Middle East.
Mehrdad Akhlaghi Ketabchi was elected as Iran’s new Defence Minister by the parliament on October 18, 2026, and replaces interim Defence Minister Majid Ebn al-Reza, who took over after Aziz Nasirzadeh was assassinated by US-Israeli strikes earlier this year. Ketabchi warned Trump against launching another strike on Iran.
He said that the U.S. president should consider the safety of American troops stationed all over the region before making a decision on Iran. “A single bomb dropped on Iran could lead to large casualties among the U.S. forces,” he said, in a warning to Trump.
Tehran is warning of the dangers of a new attack and that it would be met with retaliation rather than go unanswered. But there are concerns of a US military strike to take place. The announcement comes as the Trump administration weighs its options with regard to Iran’s nuclear program and strategic facilities.
Washington is rumored to be mulling the possibility of strikes on Iran’s most heavily fortified sites, including the nuclear-linked facility near Pickaxe Mountain. Trump said on October 16 that the United States might have to attack the site. But although he has ruled out nuclear weapons against Iran, he has not ruled out air strikes on Iran.
Among the weapons discussed in connection with the operation would be the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast bomb, better known as the “Mother of All Bombs.” But the use of such weapons does not mean an attack has been approved. If the two countries go to war, the potential for new strikes will be even greater.
Tehran is ready to retaliate. Iranian officials have repeatedly warned of a response to another military attack. National security official Mohsen Rezaei has also said preparations are being made for a stronger response if war breaks out. But the full details of Iran’s reported military plans and their operational capacity have not been independently established.
Ketabchi’s appointment comes at a critical time for Iran’s defence establishment. His background in the country’s defence industry - aerospace and missile technology is especially relevant as Tehran feels under pressure over its nuclear activities and regional policies. The new minister’s speech underlines Iran’s claim that its military response would be a key consideration if there is a US decision to launch further operations.
Will Iran and the US fight over the nuclear program
The warning signals have also raised uncertainty around relations between Tehran and Washington. While the United States is still mulling its approach to Iran’s nuclear program, Iranian leaders are now warning that more military action could be costly. A new war could affect not only the two countries but also other parts of the Middle East in which U.S. military personnel and strategic interests are embedded.
Escalation could also shake up international energy markets and regional security. At the moment it is uncertain when the latest warning might lead to more military preparations in the region and whether diplomacy or a public dialogue between the two sides will be reopened.
Ketabchi’s message makes Iran’s position clear: Tehran is warning Washington to consider the potential consequences before launching another attack. Whether that warning stops escalation or is another step towards confrontation will depend on the decisions made by both sides.
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