Today, Iran's currency plummeted to an all-time low: 32,500 rial to the dollar. The hyperinflation is thought to be the result of oil sanctions that could lose the resource-rich nation $50 billion in revenue this year.
Yet reports coming out today say they also are giving billions to the Assad regime in Syria to help fund the civil war — up to $10 billion according to the Times of London.
Huh?
Throughout the brutal civil conflict in Syria, Iran has sided with the Assad regime — much to the chagrin of the international community — due to its ideological and religious ties. The Assad family are members of the Alawite faith, which is an off-shoot of the Shiite Islam that guides the Iran's Islamic Republic. Iran has confirmed they have troops on the ground in Syria. They've also been flying arms over Iraqi airspace (Iraq is now facing international pressure to stop shipments).
But you have to wonder if Iran's role in the Syrian winter may be cut short due to lack of funds.
Please follow Military & Defense on Twitter and Facebook.