Ministry of Defense (Iran)

The Iranian Ministry of Defense, formally known as the Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics, is the government body responsible for defining and implementing the country's defense policy. It oversees the planning, procurement, and logistics support for the Islamic Republic of Iran Armed Forces, which include the regular army (Artesh) and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The ministry coordinates defense research and development, manages the state‑owned defense industry, and supervises the allocation of the national defense budget. Through these functions it ensures the operational readiness and sustainment of Iran's military capabilities.

As a cabinet‑level department, the ministry operates under the authority of the President of Iran and ultimately reports to the Supreme Leader, reflecting its dual civilian‑military oversight. Its jurisdiction extends across the entire country, as it manages defense‑related installations, production facilities, and logistical networks located throughout Iran. The ministry also maintains liaison with foreign defense entities and participates in international military‑technical cooperation within the constraints of international sanctions. Its role places it at the center of Iran's national security architecture.

The ministry's high profile has made it a repeated target of cyber operations, as evidenced by several publicly reported incidents. In 2023 a pro‑Russian hacker group launched a DDoS attack against its website, prompting the adoption of geolocking to mitigate the traffic. A year earlier, in 2022, hacktivists conducted a DDoS campaign that disrupted multiple online services associated with the ministry. Earlier incidents include a 2019 disinformation campaign that used spear‑phishing and false corruption allegations, and a 2015 website defacement by a Saudi hacker who posted a political message criticizing Iran's leadership.

Structurally, the ministry is not a subsidiary of another entity but a standalone department of the Iranian government, reporting directly to the President and the Supreme Leader. It oversees subordinate organizations such as the Defense Industries Organization and the Armed Forces Logistics Command, which handle production and supply chain functions. The ministry's headquarters is situated in Iran, consistent with its status as a national governmental body. These organizational features underscore its role as the central authority for defense policy, acquisition, and sustainment within the country.