Furthermore, the Shah’s ambitious military spending program was a source of both pride and controversy. The regime poured vast sums of money into building one of the most powerful militaries in the world. By 1977, Iran’s military had become the fifth-largest in the world, in terms of military spending and capability. The Shah viewed the military as essential for maintaining Iran’s sovereignty and deterring foreign interference. The investment in the armed forces was also seen as a means of solidifying the regime’s power and suppressing any internal opposition.
Despite the regime’s focus on military might, the economic and social issues faced by the majority of the population persisted. The widening wealth gap between the elite and the ordinary people created an environment ripe for political discontent. The perception that the regime was serving the interests of the rich and powerful, while neglecting the needs of the general public, contributed to the growing dissatisfaction that eventually led to the Iranian Revolution in 1979.