The Khamenei family, led by Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is reported to control substantial wealth and assets, both personally and through affiliated organizations.[1]
Ali Khamenei
editInvestigations have revealed that Ayatollah Khamenei oversees a financial empire valued at approximately $95 billion. This wealth is primarily managed through the Execution of Imam Khomeini's Order (EIKO), also known as Setad. Setad has amassed a vast portfolio by systematically seizing thousands of properties, often under the pretext that they were abandoned. These properties belong to various Iranians, including religious minorities and expatriates.[2][3]
Mojtaba Khamenei
editMojtaba Khamenei, the Supreme Leader's second eldest son, is reported to have accumulated wealth exceeding $3 billion. His assets are allegedly distributed across banks in the United Arab Emirates, Syria, Venezuela, and several African countries. Additionally, Mojtaba is said to possess approximately $300 million in gold and diamonds. He has also acquired extensive land near Mashhad, transforming it into personal property.[4][5][6]
Masoud Khamenei
editMasoud, another of Ayatollah Khamenei's sons, manages several of his father's institutions. He reportedly holds over $400 million in banks in France and the UK, with an additional $100 million in Tehran. Masoud also controls the sales of Renault vehicles in Iran, further contributing to his wealth.[4][5]
Meysam Khamenei
editMeysam, the youngest son, is married to the daughter of a prominent Iranian bazaar merchant. He partners with his brother Masoud in the Renault enterprise, receiving a commission from each vehicle sold. Meysam's wealth is estimated at over $200 million, with around $10 million allocated for domestic trade.[4][5]
Affiliated Organizations
editBeyond personal wealth, the Khamenei family exerts control over significant economic entities:
Mostazafan Foundation
editMostazafan Foundation was originally established as the Pahlavi Foundation. It was renamed after the Islamic Revolution. The foundation's assets grew substantially post-revolution, encompassing numerous factories, agribusinesses, construction firms, mines, and commercial companies.[7]
Astan Quds Razavi
editAstan Quds Razavi manages the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad and its associated endowments. It holds vast assets, including land, businesses, and industries, contributing significantly to the family's influence.[8]
These organizations, while presented as charitable entities, have been criticized for lacking transparency and allegedly serving the ruling elite's interests.[1][3][4]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b "Fact Check: Are Ali Khamenei's Living Standards 'Below Average'?". iranwire.com. Retrieved 2024-12-12.
- ^ Steve, Stecklow; Dehghanpisheh, Babak; Yeganeh, Torbati. "Khamenei controls massive financial empire built on property seizures".
- ^ a b "Ali Khamenei Net Worth 2024 | ZedDash". beta.rethinkingassessment.com. Retrieved 2024-12-12.
- ^ a b c d Writer, Staff (2015-07-16). "IRAN: Ali Khamenei's family wealth". NCRI. Retrieved 2024-12-12.
- ^ a b c "Disclosure of wealth of Khamenei's sons by Hashemi Rafsanjani | International Institute for Iranian Studies" (in Arabic). 2016-10-06. Retrieved 2024-12-12.
- ^ "Mojtaba Khamenei Net Worth: Iran's Next Supreme Leader And Successor To Billion-Dollar 'Financial Empire'". Free Press Journal. Retrieved 2024-12-12.
- ^ "BBCPersian.com | اقتصاد و بازرگانی | بنیاد مستضعفان تاجر جدید نفت". www.bbc.com. Retrieved 2024-12-12.
- ^ "Appointment of Hojjatoleslam Ahmad Marvi as the Custodian of Astan Quds Razavi".