Iran increases missile spending to counter US sanctions
August 13, 2017
Iran's parliament has voted to boost spending on ballistic missiles and the armed forces in response to recent US sanctions. The Trump administration, while sticking to Iran nuclear deal, is piling up pressure on Tehran.
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Iranian parliament passed a bill Sunday to boost its military spending, with 240 lawmakers in the 244-strong house approving it.
The bill allows Iran to allocate $520 million (448 million euros) to enhance its nuclear program to fight Washington's "adventurism" and sanctions.
"The Americans should know that this was our first reaction," said parliament speaker, Ali Larijani. The package was meant to "confront terrorist and adventurist actions by the United States in the region," he added.
The bill mandates the government to allocate an additional $260 million for the "development of the missile programme" and the same amount to the Revolutionary Guards foreign operations wing, the Quds Force, state news agency IRNA said.
During the presidential campaign, US President Donald Trump threatened to scrap a landmark nuclear deal with Iran, brokered in 2015 with the five UN veto powers, plus Germany. However, Trump now appears to be finding other ways to increase pressure on the Islamic country. His administration told Congress in July that Iran was complying with the nuclear deal.
The Sunday vote came after fresh US sanctions against Iran , targeting its missile program. Among those sanctioned were key backers of Iran's military and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
On July 27, Iran launched its satellite-bearing rocket but insisted it did not violate the nuclear deal. Western nations, however, condemned the launch as a 'threatening and provocative step.'
State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert voiced US concerns over "Iran's malign activities across the Middle East that undermine regional stability, security, and prosperity." The sanctions, she said, were "in response to these continued Iranian threats."
"The United States will continue to use sanctions to target those who lend support to Iran's destabilizing behavior and, above all, the United States will never allow the regime in Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon," Nauert said.
Iran's Rouhani sworn in for second presidential term
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has been sworn in at a high-profile ceremony that included EU officials. He now faces the tough task of rescuing the 2015 nuclear deal and implementing reforms amidst hard-liner pushback.
Image: Imago/Upi Photo
Rouhani pledges 'path of coexistence'
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani was sworn in for a second, four-year term in an open parliament session. He called for greater freedom of expression and free access to information in Iran as well as better ties to the rest of the world.
Image: Getty Images/AFP/A. Kenare
Strong European showing
The EU's foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini attended the inauguration along with several other foreign guests, including French and German officials. In a meeting prior to his inauguration, Rouhani said the presence of senior European diplomats showed Europe's determination to expand ties with Iran, despite pressure from the US.
Image: Irna
Historic ceremony
The parliament chamber was lined with the flags of the inauguration's guests. With more than 100 foreign delegations, including top diplomats from Europe, it was the largest showing of international guests at a presidential inauguration since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Image: Fars
Iran's reformer in chief
Prior to assuming office, Rouhani was a religious scholar, lawyer and cleric. The 68-year-old was first elected president in 2013, and is seen as a moderate reformist. During the campaign, Rouhani promised to continue building diplomatic ties abroad and to increase gender and ethnic equality at home. Analysts say the president may struggle to make an impact within Iran's power structure.
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Supreme leader approval
Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (L), formally endorsed Rouhani (R) for his second term in office at a ceremony on Thursday. As the supreme leader has the final say on all state matters, it's unclear how far Rouhani will be able to push his domestic and foreign policies.
Image: leader.ir
Concerns over all-male cabinet
Rouhani is due to present his government lineup to parliament soon, which is expected to be all male. Supporters and reformist allies of the re-elected leader heavily criticized the lack of female ministers, as much of Rouhani's popularity has been built on promises for greater civil liberties, including more rights for women.
Image: Getty Images/AFP/B. Mehri
Future of nuclear deal at stake
During Rouhani's first term, Iran emerged from isolation in 2015 when the country struck a deal with six world powers to curb its nuclear program in exchange for lifting economic sanctions. The landmark deal is now under threat from US President Donald Trump, who has taken an aggressive Iran policy since entering office. Trump also recently signed a new package of sanctions against Iran.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/R. Schlager
Bumpy road to economy boost
Rouhani also faces the difficult task of delivering on promises to improve Iran's economy. Unemployment in the country is high and rose from 24 to 30 percent during Rouhani's first term. Although the nuclear deal helped stabilize Iran's currency, foreign investment in the country has been sluggish.
