Shafaq News/ According to a new study by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, Iran attaches more military and strategic importance to its armed factions deployed in the region than its nuclear and missile programs.

The study, titled "Iran's Infiltration Networks in the Middle East," estimated Iran's total expenditure on the activities of its factions in Syria, Iraq and Yemen at about $ 16 billion, while spending on Hezbollah in Lebanon is estimated at $ 700 million annually.

The study, which was based on several researches, took about 18 months, noting that " Quds Force of the Revolutionary Guards, through which Tehran wages proxy wars in the region, has become more powerful and influential."

In its study, the International Institute for Strategic Studies warned against Western countries ignoring the growing influence and power of Iranian factions in the region, as Washington and its allies focused their pressure on curbing Iran's nuclear and ballistic programs, and even imposed heavy sanctions against them for this purpose.

In contrast, Tehran's strategy of deploying its militant networks faces less international resistance.

These warnings are in line with the administration's assertions that the Iranian nuclear deal is not enough to curb its nuclear program and that any future agreement with Tehran should include curbing its missile program and regional ambitions as well.

The International Institute for Strategic Studies said that Tehran will face many challenges to the continued support of its factions regionally, in light of the mass protests sweeping Lebanon and Iraq against Iranian interventions.

Demonstrators in Iraq have expressed outrage at the Iranian incursion into their country, which reached burning diplomatic missions and tearing up images of regime symbols in areas that are a stronghold of Tehran's influence.