Rights groups say Iranian authorities are expanding the use of asset seizures against religious minorities, dissidents and government critics, adding to the financial strain facing people affected by soaring living costs, according to DW. Members of Iran’s Baha’i community appear to be among those most heavily affected.
The Baha’i faith is not officially recognized by Iran’s Islamic Republic and is excluded from the constitutional protections granted to Christians, Jews and Zoroastrians. The US-based Human Rights Activists in Iran reported a recent wave of arrests, home and business searches, and property seizures involving Baha’i citizens. Amnesty International said persecution had intensified after the 12-day war between Iran and Israel in June 2025, alleging a state campaign that portrayed Baha’is as spies and collaborators with Israel.
Padideh Sabeti, spokesperson for the International Baha’i Community, said economic hardship affects the population broadly but is especially severe for Baha’is because discriminatory policies limit their ability to work. She also said the judiciary uses poverty as leverage by demanding bail amounts that can equal decades of wages for an average citizen.
The reported seizures extend beyond religious minorities. Iranian authorities have announced orders targeting assets belonging to more than 400 people living abroad whom they describe as supporters of the enemy, including actors, athletes and journalists. Inside Iran, cafe manager Sadegh Saedinia was given a 12-year prison sentence, a two-year operating ban and total asset confiscation over content linked to anti-government protests in Qom, DW reported.
Analyst Arezoo Karimi said the financial gains are likely to be negligible compared with Iran’s budget deficit and alleged that confiscated properties are often sold below market value to politically connected buyers. Journalist Sajjad Khodakarami said the measures are intended to pressure opponents even when they live outside Iran. International monitors have also reported the seizure of household possessions including gold, electronics, work tools, wedding rings and children’s toys.
Karimi warned that money creation and subsidy reductions, alongside declining foreign-currency revenues, risk worsening inflation. Analysts cited by DW said property confiscations may intimidate critics and provide limited funds, but cannot resolve Iran’s deeper economic problems or relieve the pressure on ordinary households.