Iran has announced plans to triple its military budget, reflecting heightened tensions with Israel amid ongoing confrontations in Gaza and Lebanon.
Government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani confirmed the proposal on Tuesday, stating that the 200% increase in defense spending is subject to parliamentary approval. This budget aims to bolster Iran’s military capabilities, with discussions expected to conclude by March 2025.
In 2023, Iran’s military expenditure was approximately $10.3 billion, while the U.S. provided Israel with at least $12.5 billion in military aid between October 2023 and April 2024.
The urgency for increased defense measures follows recent Israeli airstrikes on Iranian military installations that resulted in the deaths of four soldiers. Israeli forces targeted around 20 sites across Iran, marking a significant escalation in hostilities.
“This attack on our soil is unprecedented since the Iran-Iraq War of the 1980s,” reported Al Jazeera from Tehran, reflecting a growing sense of vulnerability within Iran.
Tensions have also escalated after Iran launched approximately 200 missiles and drones at Israel on October 1 in retaliation against perceived threats to its military leaders affiliated with Hezbollah and Hamas.
As these hostilities intensify, Iranian officials are reassessing their defense strategy, acknowledging an increasing likelihood of conventional conflict within their territory. Iran has vowed to use “all available tools” to respond to Israeli strikes, while the United States has warned of “severe consequences” should Iran escalate its aggression against Israel.
