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.
Mohammad-Reza Gharaei Ashtiani | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Ashtiani in 2024 | |
| Native name | محمدرضا قرایی آشتیانی |
| Allegiance |  Iran |
| Service | Ground Forces |
| Years of service | 1980–present |
| Rank |  Brigadier General |
| Unit | |
| Battles / wars | |
| Alma mater | Imam Ali Officers' Academy AJA University of Command and Staff Supreme National Defense University |
| Minister of Defence | |
| In office 25 August 2021 – 21 August 2024 | |
| President | Ebrahim Raisi Mohammad Mokhber (acting) |
| Preceded by | Amir Hatami |
| Succeeded by | Aziz Nasirzadeh |
| Personal details | |
| Born | c. 1960 (age 63–64)[citation needed] Tehran, Iran[citation needed] |
Military career
editAshtiani 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
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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
editOn 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
edit- ^ "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.
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