What to make of Iran's 200% defense budget increase amid Israel tensions
The planned increase comes despite a widening deficit and record inflation rates, and after reports suggesting severe damage to Iran's air defense installations and missile production centers in the recent Israeli strike.
TEHRAN — The Islamic Republic is raising its national defense budget by 200%, government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani announced at a press briefing in Tehran on Tuesday.
"All efforts have been made to meet the country's defense demands, and special importance has been attached to the matter," she added, noting that the increase sought to bolster Iran's military power.
The announcement followed President Masoud Pezeshkian's appearance in parliament on the same day his proposed annual budget was discussed and approved by lawmakers, according to the Islamic Republic News Agency.
Pezeshkian told the National Assembly that his budget plan was "entirely transparent" and directed at "infrastructure development, economic stability, growth, job creation and justice."
