Review of the 1395 Budget Bill Begins

The Islamic Consultative Assembly of Iran convened on the morning of April 22 to begin reviewing the budget bill for the year 1395. The Joint Commission of the Assembly emphasized that in addition to previously approved figures, 5 trillion tomans have been allocated to "strengthening the country's defense capabilities." Previously, in the last solar year, the general outlines of two-twelfths of this budget were approved for the months of Farvardin and Ordibehesht. The Iranian government stated that it would present the budget for 1395 to the Assembly after the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action regarding the nuclear agreement. This indeed happened, and the bill was sent to the Assembly on January 27, one month after the final deadline. For this reason, the first two months of the year were approved before the Nowruz holidays. According to Tasnim News Agency, the public session on the morning of April 22 began with the absence of 91 representatives. ISNA News Agency also quoted Mohammad Reza Pourabrahimi, spokesman for the Joint Commission, stating that "one of the most important issues was strengthening the country's defense capabilities." The task of the Joint Commission of the Islamic Consultative Assembly is to organize the principles and contents of development programs and budget bills. Mr. Pourabrahimi's reference to "strengthening defense capabilities" comes at a time when Western countries have criticized Tehran following recent missile tests and have raised the possibility of new sanctions. The issue of the tests has also provoked strong reactions within Iran, including from Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a tacit response to critical opinions. The spokesman of the Joint Commission stated that "(to strengthen) the country's defense capabilities, it was necessary to consider resources in addition to the figures allocated to other sectors, which would be the basis for the decisions of the Islamic Republic of Iran for the year 95." He mentioned that the ceiling of budgetary revenue sources has increased, and "in addition to the previously approved figures, 5 trillion tomans have also been allocated for strengthening the country's defense capabilities and were approved in this commission." According to him, issues such as the Quds Force of the Revolutionary Guards or the "missile domain of the country" have been reviewed in the defense budget. Hassan Rouhani, the President of Iran, had previously announced the total ceiling of next year's budget as 952 trillion tomans and stated that for the year 1395, an economic growth of "five percent" is anticipated, with expected revenues showing a 16% growth compared to 94. Iran and six world powers reached an agreement last year that, alongside limiting Iran's nuclear programs, lifted nuclear sanctions. Nevertheless, separate sanctions from countries like the U.S. regarding allegations of "supporting terrorism," the development of ballistic missiles, or human rights violations remain in effect. Iran has denied the allegations of supporting terrorism and states that its missile program is for "defensive" purposes and will continue. In this context, a member of the Assembly announced the possible removal of subsidies for 30 percent of Iranian citizens. Ayatollah Khamenei stated: "We are not looking to raise expectations and demands from the government."