Iran parliament approves Mehrdad Akhlaqi as defence minister; warns of broad response to US-Israeli attack

Tehran, Oct 18 (UNI) Iran's parliament on Sunday approved Mehrdad Akhlaqi Ketabchi as the country's new defence minister, with the nominee warning that any fresh US-Israeli attack would trigger a "surprising and extensive" response. Akhlaqi received 237 votes in favour and 15 against, with no abstentions, out of 277 votes cast during a parliamentary session held via video conference, Iranian state broadcaster IRIB reported. Addressing lawmakers before the vote, Akhlaqi said Iran would respond forcefully if Washington and Israel launched another attack. "If the American- Israeli enemy once again makes a miscalculation, the response of the Iranian nation and the…