Iran has introduced a proposal to triple its military budget, aiming to enhance national defense amid increasing tensions in the Middle East. On Tuesday, government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani revealed that this significant budgetary expansion would focus on strengthening Iran’s defense infrastructure. The proposal is part of the Pezeshkian administration’s annual budget plan, which is now under review by the Iranian Parliament.
Without disclosing exact figures, Mohajerani highlighted that the proposed military budget would increase by 200 percent compared to the previous fiscal year. Reports from Western research groups estimate that Iran allocated around $10.3 billion for military spending last year, suggesting a projected allocation of roughly $30 billion under the new budget if approved. The proposed boost comes shortly after an Israeli airstrike targeted Iranian military sites, leading to casualties and minor damage to defense installations that have since been repaired.
President Masoud Pezeshkian, who presented the 1404 fiscal year budget bill, emphasized its broader objectives beyond defense, including plans to stimulate economic growth, expand healthcare resources, and improve public housing and water distribution infrastructure. The budget proposal also sets forth initiatives to increase oil production capacity and strengthen Iran’s strategic economic assets, underscoring Iran’s commitment to self-sufficiency and national resilience.
Iran’s Expanding Defense Capabilities
Iran maintains one of the region’s largest military forces, comprising 610,000 active-duty personnel and a reserve of 350,000, totaling around 960,000 mobilizable troops. The country’s defense strategy heavily emphasizes self-reliance, with advanced missile and drone programs playing a pivotal role in deterrence. These capabilities, including precision-guided missiles and sophisticated UAVs, enable Iran to maintain its strategic stance without relying heavily on external military imports.
Previous military operations, such as True Promise 1 and 2, demonstrated Iran’s capacity for targeted strikes, even against fortified Israeli airbases. However, despite its strategic advancements, Iran’s military budget has remained relatively modest compared to regional counterparts like Saudi Arabia, which allocated $75 billion in 2023, and Israel at approximately $27 billion.
With this proposed budget increase, Iran aims to address the perceived regional threats more effectively while continuing to promote economic stability and growth domestically.
