Iran, Islamic Republic of Military Spending
Military expenditure as % of GDP MS.MIL.XPND.GD.ZS
Iran, Islamic Republic of's military spending was 2.11% in 2025, ranked 51st globally. This represents a 5.1% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Iran, Islamic Republic of's military spending stood at 2.11% in 2025, a rise of +0.10% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 2.11% by 2025. Iran, Islamic Republic of ranked 51st globally.
Iran’s military outlays have contracted markedly since the mid‑1970s, falling from an all‑time peak of 12.07 % of GDP in 1975 to a trough of 1.70 % in 1993, before stabilising at 2.11 % in 2025, which places the country 51st globally. Over the 66‑year series, the share of resources devoted to defence has hovered near the low‑single digits for most of the post‑war period, reflecting the combined impact of sanctions, fluctuating oil revenues and shifting strategic priorities. By contrast, peer economies with similar spending shares include India at 2.10 % and Ecuador at 2.15 % in the same year, underscoring that Iran’s current level is comparable to other emerging markets rather than regional militaries with higher ratios. The modest upward drift from the 1990s trough suggests a baseline of sustained, albeit limited, investment; however, any substantial change in external pressure or a resurgence of regional tensions could drive the trajectory upward, while further economic constraints would likely keep the share near its present plateau.
Data & projection
| Year | Military Spending | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 2.07% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 2.09% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 2.11% | - | - |
| 2025 | 2.11% | +0.10% | #51 |
| 2024 | 2.01% | −0.34% | #92 |
| 2023 | 2.35% | +0.24% | #112 |
| 2022 | 2.11% | −0.11% | #111 |
| 2021 | 2.22% | +0.05% | #114 |
| 2020 | 2.18% | +0.03% | #111 |
| 2019 | 2.15% | −0.21% | #114 |
| 2018 | 2.36% | −0.49% | #121 |
| 2017 | 2.84% | +0.05% | #123 |
| 2016 | 2.80% | +0.24% | #125 |
| 2015 | 2.56% | +0.44% | #122 |
| 2014 | 2.12% | −0.06% | #112 |
| 2013 | 2.18% | −0.51% | #114 |
| 2012 | 2.69% | +0.30% | #122 |
| 2011 | 2.38% | −0.40% | #112 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Iran, Islamic Republic of matched the Stagflation Risk pattern in 2019. Historically, 38% of countries showing this pattern (117 out of 307) saw military spending improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Iran, Islamic Republic of's military spending was 2.11% in 2025. Ranked 51st globally. This represents a 5.1% increase from the previous year.
Iran, Islamic Republic of's military spending peaked at 12.07% in 1975.
The lowest military spending in Iran, Islamic Republic of was 1.70% in 1993.
Iran, Islamic Republic of ranks 51st globally in military spending as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is MS.MIL.XPND.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Iran, Islamic Republic of's military spending is projected to reach 2.11% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The military spending of Iran, Islamic Republic of in 2025 was 2.11%. This ranks 51st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_iran-islamic-republic-of_military-spending,
title = {Iran, Islamic Republic of Military Spending},
url = {https://historysaid.com/iran-islamic-republic-of/military-spending/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}