Iran Spends Major Part of Oil Income on Weapons – Iranian Political Scientist

Azerbaijan, Baku / Тrend corr D. Khatinoghlu / Statements by Iranian officials about the production of modern missiles and fighters in the country confirm that Iran spends a major part of its public budget on defence technology. "Pleading the impending war with the Unites States, the Iranian Government spends a major part of its oil income on weapons," the Iranian political scientist Isa Saharkhiz said.

Against a background of financial problems of the Iranian population and inflation amounting to 15.4% it is reported that funds allocated for the military field are increasing. The limit for petrol set by the authorities in recent months caused an increase in the number of flights, Saharkhiz said to Trend from Teheran by phone.

"Iranian passenger airliners are outdated. The EU even prohibited the flights of Iranian 'Mahan' airline to Europe. Nevertheless, Iran produces perfect war-planes incomparable even with American fighters. Such funds are not allotted for passenger airlines," he said.

"Pleading foreign threats, instead of establishing order in society the Iranian Government tries to expand its military bases. The Iranian public are facing more financial difficulties day in and day out. Prices are rising, the country is getting paralyzed in terms of economics, and at the same time, the Government misuses the budget," the political scientist said.