The report examines the trends occurring in the country's current and future defence procurement, and the order of battle across its armed forces. The report's general conclusion is that Iran faces extreme economic and security challenges partly as a result of its nuclear programme and also of its enduring support for the Assad regime in Syria - support which appears to be backfiring.
Iran's decision to continue propping up Assad has left it looking increasingly isolated, and has handed the initiative to other regional powers, notably Egypt and Turkey, which both seek Assad's removal.
Meanwhile, international sanctions have gutted Iran's oil exports, which have now sunk to less than half of their usual level. The United States government hopes that this extreme economic pressure, combined with the build-up of military assets in the region, will force the Iranians to make concessions before Israel launches an anticipated military strike against Iranian nuclear facilities. However, at the same time senior US officials have made clear their reluctance to take part in any Israeli military action.
Over the last quarter BMI has revised the following forecasts/views:
- The defence decision-making , grand strategy and orders of battle for the Iranian armed forces;
- Details regarding procurement programmes ongoing in the Iranian army, air force and navy.
- The addition of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats tables to the Iranian company profiles.