12.01.2026 22:51
Protests that began due to economic issues in Iran continue to escalate in violence, while claims regarding the wealth of religious leader Ali Khamenei have drawn attention. It is alleged that the assets of the organization called Setad, which is under Khamenei's control, amount to 95 billion dollars.
Protests that began weeks ago due to the high cost of living in Iran have spread across the country. In many cities, security forces have intervened harshly against protesters, and many people have lost their lives.
HAMANEY'S CONTROVERSIAL WEALTH As the country turns into a battleground, claims regarding the wealth of Iran's religious leader Ali Khamenei have drawn attention. According to a Reuters investigation conducted in 2013, it was claimed that the total value of Khamenei's assets is approximately 95 billion dollars. It was noted that his assets include real estate and companies. However, it was learned that the mentioned wealth belongs to the Setad organization, which is under Khamenei's control.
Ali Khamenei WHAT IS THE SETAD ORGANIZATION? The full name of this organization is Setad-e Ejraiye Farmane Hazrat-e Emam (Headquarters for Implementing the Order of the Imam), which is a massive economic empire directly linked to the country's Religious Leader (Khamenei) in Iran, known for managing billions of dollars in assets and its unregulated structure. Established in 1989 by Khomeini's directive to manage "ownerless" or "confiscated" properties, Setad has gradually transformed into a holding company operating in almost every sector of the Iranian economy, from finance to oil, telecommunications to pharmaceuticals (such as the Barakat Foundation).
SUBJECT TO INTERNATIONAL SANCTIONS Due to its opaque financial structure and direct connection to the religious leader, this entity holds a significant place in both Iranian politics and international sanction lists, using its revenues for both social aid projects and the state's strategic investments.
PROTESTS IN IRAN On December 28, 2025, protests initiated by shopkeepers in the Grand Bazaar of Tehran due to the significant depreciation of the local currency against foreign currencies and economic issues spread to many cities across the country.
While no official statement has been made regarding those who died or were injured in the protests, the Iran Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reported on January 11 (the 15th day of the protests) that 544 people, including 37 security personnel and one prosecutor, and 8 children (under 18 years old) had lost their lives, and 10,681 people had been detained.