Iran: public finances

How much does Iran spend on its military?

Iran's military spending was 2.1% of GDP in 2025, down from 2.2% in 2024 and 2.5% in 2023, according to the World Bank World Development Indicators.

The figure is an international estimate based on budget data, and spending outside the official defence budget may not be fully counted. It is shown as a share of GDP, so it reflects changes in the size of the economy as well as in military spending. The share has been between 2.1% and 2.5% since 2022.

Official sources: World Bank: military expenditure, Iran

How big is Iran's government budget?

Iranian government websites, including those of the Central Bank of Iran and the Statistical Centre of Iran, could not be reached on 15 October 2026; Iran's annual budget is approved by parliament, but its current size could not be read from an official source on the Iranian government, World Bank or IMF websites checked on 15 October 2026. The World Bank's government revenue series for Iran ends in 2009.

Official sources: World Bank: revenue, excluding grants, Iran

How much is Iran's national debt?

Iranian government websites, including those of the Central Bank of Iran and the Statistical Centre of Iran, could not be reached on 15 October 2026, and the World Bank World Development Indicators carry no central government debt series for Iran, so no official figure for Iran's public debt could be read on 15 October 2026. The IMF publishes estimates in its World Economic Outlook, but its data portal blocked automated access that day.

Official sources: World Bank: Iran country data

What is Iran's government debt?

In 2025, general government gross debt in Iran was 35.6% of GDP, according to the IMF. Its high point since 2005 was 2020, at 47.1% of GDP; its low point was 2013, at 10.2% of GDP. It is 14th highest of 20 in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan, where the median is 52.5% of GDP. Worldwide: 139th of 185.

What is Iran's budget deficit?

In 2025, general government net lending or borrowing in Iran was -5.3% of GDP, according to the IMF (a deficit). That is the lowest since at least 2005. Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan median: -5.2% of GDP; Iran is 12th highest of 21. Worldwide: 150th of 188.

How much revenue does Iran's government raise?

9.3% of GDP: that is general government revenue in Iran for 2025, according to the IMF. The peak was 15.5% of GDP in 2005 and the low 7.3% of GDP in 2020. Across Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan the middle value was 26.3% of GDP, and Iran placed 21st highest of 21. Of 187 countries with 2025 data, 183rd highest.

What is Iran's government spending?

The IMF puts general government spending in Iran at 14.6% of GDP in 2025. Its high point since 2005 was 2006, at 18.7% of GDP; its low point was 2012, at 11.4% of GDP. Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan median: 28.7% of GDP; Iran is 21st highest of 21. Of 186 countries with 2025 data, 176th highest.

How much does Iran spend on its military?

In 2025, military spending in Iran was 2.1% of GDP, according to SIPRI. That is the lowest since at least 2005. Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan median: 3.1% of GDP; Iran is 13th highest of 15. Of 149 countries with 2025 data, 53rd highest.