The sanctions applied to Iran is its Her fault...and i dont understand how being Nato member affects GDP positively? its not like we dont spend much on military equipment just because we are a member of Nato alliance..actually, its the other way around, we need to spend much to be on par with Nato standarts..
If Turkey had the oil and gas reserves Iran has, we would fly like a rocket right now..But unfortunately we have not..And we have to spend most of our money to get energy just because of that..Thats the reality
How it affects your GDP ?
1. You don't have to research for Fifth gen. aircrafts, you can simply buy. So you saved years and money there.
2. NATO gives you security cover, that helps in controlling defense expenditure. Look at Iran, US and Israel has already threatened to attack, they HAVE to spend more on military, i.e. more % of GDP on defense. You can afford it, they can't but they have to.
3. Ever heard of Soviet Russia disintegration due to Cold War race with US on technological front and weapons which led to their weakening of economy.
4. US PAC-3 cover will give you protection against enemy missiles. Now to overwhelm that, the opposition has to build fire more missiles. So you are indirectly affecting the enemy. So its an added benefit. Hope you know it.
4. As for Should, Woulda, Coulda, if yo had Oil, you would have been progressing real fast, if you had US and others as your enemy, you should think that too.
See mate, I have no problem with your country. I respect Ataturk and his leadership which created a progressive Muslim nation but I also respect Iran because of other reasons too.