TEHRAN: Iran’s government intends to raise its military budget by around 200%, according to government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani, as reported by state media on Tuesday. This substantial defense budget hike follows a series of retaliatory attacks between Iran and Israel in recent months.
The proposed increase is part of a budget plan submitted by Iran’s government to parliament for approval. “A considerable raise that amounts to 200% has been witnessed in the country’s defense budget,” Mohajerani stated, without providing additional details.
At least 55 Palestinians killed in Israeli strike on Beit Lahiya.
For months, Iran and Israel have engaged in exchanges of missile fire, with the latest escalation occurring on October 1. Israeli forces launched strikes on Saturday in response to Iranian missiles, many of which Israel claimed were intercepted by its air defenses.
Iran responded on Monday, vowing to “use all available tools” to address Israel’s latest assault on its military facilities. Iran also maintains support for Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza, both of which are engaged in ongoing conflicts with Israeli forces.