Published: June 20, 2011

Research and Markets: The Iran Defence and Security Report for Q3 2011: Examine Indigenous Capacity, Nuclear Issues & Internal Opposition

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DUBLIN - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/a5470c/iran_defence_and_s) has announced the addition of the "Iran Defence and Security Report Q3 2011" report to their offering.

The Iran Defence and Security Report provides industry professionals and strategists, corporate analysts, defence and security associations, government departments and regulatory bodies with independent forecasts and competitive intelligence on Iran's defence and security industry.

Key Trends:

Indigenous Capacity

Iran's current defence minister, Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi, talked in regional media in April 2011 about how important upgrading the country's armed forces equipment is to the strategy of the defence ministry. Reading between the lines, it is clear that some progress is being made by the indigenous defence sector but as for how much actual capability is being enhanced - it is difficult to tell.

Nuclear Energy Security issues do surround the development of nuclear facilities. Iran has had the support of Russia in building and testing nuclear plants for many years. Both countries claim that the work going on is purely to provide alternative energy for domestic consumption. Although this may sound odd, there are some valid reasons why Iran should look for other sources of energy - not least because it is financially dependent on the export of oil and so using less of it domestically provides more potential exports.

Pre-Emptive Measures?

Nuclear development puts the eyes of the world on the state. An important change in the focus of the country's military focus and strategy has been caused by the potential for either Israel or the U.S. to attack Iran's nuclear facilities for pre-emptive purposes. Although the report sees this as unlikely, it is by no means impossible to foresee. The U.S. and the EU will continue to press forward with increasing economic sanctions and Iran will continue with its nuclear programme while seeking new economic and political allies.

Internal Opposition Internally, Iran has some battles to fight too. The most effective armed opposition group is the People's Mujahedin of Iran, known as the Mojahedin Khalq Organisation (MKO). Based in Iraq, it has launched highly effective offensives across the border and, at its peak, numbered some 6,000-8,000 troops. However, Iraq has publicly reported that the MKO cannot continue to base itself there and in early 2011, claimed back a large part of the land on which the group's base sat. There has been a distinct lack of recent activity from the group.

Key Topics Covered: