Iran votes to increase military spending

New bill a direct retaliation against sanctions imposed by U.S. over missile program

TEHRAN, IRAN— Iranian lawmakers voted Sunday to increase the country’s budget for its ballistic missile program and foreign operations by the Revolutionary Guards, a direct challenge to new U.S. sanctions against the Islamic republic.

Some lawmakers shouted “Death to America” after the outlines of the bill “to counter America’s terrorist and adventurist actions” were passed by an overwhelming number of votes in parliament, state television reported.

The increase in the military budget and other measures came in retaliation to legislation passed by Congress and reluctantly signed by U.S. President Donald Trump this month to impose new sanctions on Iran over its missile program.

Trump has repeatedly threatened to leave the nuclear agreement, which was struck by the United States, Iran and other world powers in 2016. That has led to rising frustration in Iran, where the agreement was hailed by ordinary citizens as a fresh start after years of sanctions. It was also seen as a counterweight to hard-line forces in the country.

The bill obliged the new government of President Hassan Rouhani to prepare a strategic plan for confronting the “threats, malicious, hegemonic and divisive activities of America in the region.” It also seeks to impose sanctions on the entire U.S. administration. The Trump administration has been connecting Iran’s missile program to the nuclear agreement. A UN resolution calls for Iran not to undertake activity related to ballistic missiles designed to have a nuclear warhead.