05.04.2026 06:40
Iran has confiscated the assets of more than 100 individuals, including media workers, athletes, and prominent figures, claiming connections with the US and Israel, and has frozen their bank accounts. It was noted that the decision, targeting opposition figures living abroad, comes at a time when pressure on the diaspora is increasing and penalties for the crime of "collaborating with the enemy" are being intensified.
The Iranian Judiciary announced that the assets of more than 100 individuals have been seized on the grounds of collaborating with or supporting the United States and Israel. The decision particularly drew attention as it includes opposition media workers and prominent figures living abroad.
LEGAL PROCESS INITIATED
In a statement published by the Fars News Agency, it was reported that a comprehensive legal process has been initiated to combat activities against national security and national interests. In this context, it was announced that judicial decisions have been made regarding the identification, seizure of assets, and freezing of bank accounts of many individuals, including actors, athletes, and media workers.
63 PEOPLE FROM IRAN INTERNATIONAL TELEVISION
Officials claimed that a large majority of the individuals in question reside in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Georgia. It was stated that 63 of the names on the list are executives and staff working for Iran International television, while 25 are from Manoto TV. Additionally, it was noted that 25 individuals accused of supporting attacks by the United States and Israel on social media have also been included in the case.
PROCESS HAD BEEN INITIATED EARLIER
This move by the Tehran administration came after increasingly harsh statements in recent weeks. The Iranian Prosecutor's Office had previously warned Iranian citizens living abroad and stated that those making statements supporting the United States and Israel could have their assets seized.
It was also claimed that pressure on Iranians living in Western countries who make anti-regime posts on social media has increased, and that the names of these individuals have spread on some platforms.
PENALTIES INCREASED
Iranian Judiciary Spokesman Asgar Jihangir announced in his latest statements that penalties for the crime of "collaborating with enemy states" have been significantly increased. According to the new regulation, such activities can be punished with the death penalty and asset seizure. Additionally, conducting "psychological warfare" or transmitting information through media activities has also been classified as a serious crime, with an emphasis that penalties could be further increased, especially during wartime.
OPPOSITION MEDIA AND PROMINENT FIGURES IN THE CROSSHAIRS
The Iranian government has previously targeted foreign-based media organizations, particularly Iran International, labeling them as "tools of enemy propaganda." During the protests in 2022, a similar decision was made to seize the assets of their employees. The latest decision is considered a new phase of pressure on both opposition media structures and the Iranian diaspora abroad. It is known that approximately 5 million Iranians live abroad, and it is stated that this step could affect a large audience.