Iran’s government plans to increase its military budget by about 200 percent, government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani said, according to state media.

The planned increase in the defence budget is part of the budget proposal the government has submitted to parliament for approval.

A significant increase amounting to 200% has been given to the country’s defense budget, Mohajerani said without giving further details.

The statement comes as Israel and Iran have entered into direct conflict, with Israel striking Iran on Saturday in retaliation for an Iranian missile barrage against Israel on October 1.

Iran also supports several proxy groups in the region, including the terrorist groups Hamas and Hezbollah.

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