Mohammad-Reza Gharaei Ashtiani

Amir Mohammad-Reza Gharaei Ashtiani
Gharaei Ashtiani in 2021
Native name	محمدرضا قرایی آشتیانی
Born	c. 1960 (age 63–64) Tehran, Iran
Allegiance	Iran
Service/branch	Ground Forces
Years of service	1980–present
Rank	Brigadier General
Unit	23rd Takavar Division Imam Ali Officers' Academy
Battles/wars	1979 Kurdish rebellion in Iran Iran-Iraq War 2024 Iranian strikes in Israel
Minister of Defence
Incumbent
Assumed office 25 August 2021
President	Ebrahim Raisi
Preceded by	Amir Hatami
Personal details
Alma mater	Imam Ali Officers' Academy AJA University of Command and Staff Supreme National Defense University

Mohammad-Reza Gharaei Ashtiani (Persian: محمدرضا قرایی آشتیانی) is an Iranian military officer who serves as the current minister of defence in Iran. 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 with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu in Tehran, 20 September 2023

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.