Iran Proposes Over 200% Increase in Military Budget Amid Rising Tensions with Israel
Iran’s government has proposed a significant increase in its military budget, aiming to triple the current spending, as tensions with Israel escalate following recent missile exchanges. Government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani announced that the proposed budget would represent a more than 200% increase, although specific figures have not been disclosed. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute estimates Iran’s military expenditure for 2023 at approximately $10.3 billion.
The proposed budget will undergo parliamentary debate, with a final decision expected in March. This announcement comes amid heightened tensions, as Iran and Israel have accused each other of jeopardizing peace in the Middle East during a recent UN meeting. The exchange follows an October 1 missile strike by Iran, which involved 200 missiles and was a response to Israeli strikes that resulted in casualties among Iranian-backed militants.
Mohajerani emphasized that the government is focused on meeting the country’s defense needs. The situation has intensified further since Israel’s military offensive in Gaza, aimed at dismantling Hamas in response to the unprecedented attacks on October 7, 2023. Additionally, Israel is currently engaged in conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon.
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