Tehran has issued a stark warning that it will confiscate the assets of Iranian nationals living abroad who are perceived to support the United States and Israel in the ongoing conflict. The move, announced by the prosecutor general’s office, represents a significant escalation in Iran’s response to recent strikes and reflects growing tensions within the Iranian diaspora.
According to state media reports, the warning targets Iranians abroad who “sympathise, support, or cooperate with the American-Zionist enemy.” Those found to be in violation will face the seizure of their property and other legal penalties, as authorized by existing Iranian law. This threat comes amid heightened security concerns and a hardening of rhetoric from Iranian officials following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Diaspora Reactions and Domestic Crackdown
The announcement follows public displays of celebration by segments of the Iranian diaspora in cities across the United States and elsewhere, following the recent U.S.-Israeli strikes that killed Ayatollah Khamenei. These celebrations stand in sharp contrast to the 40-day mourning period officially mandated by the Iranian regime. The displays of support for the strikes, while representing a minority view, have clearly angered authorities in Tehran.
The extent of opposition to the Islamic Republic within Iran itself is substantial. A report published in August 2025 by the Group for Analyzing and Measuring Attitudes in Iran (GAMAAN) found that only approximately 20% of Iranians supported the continuation of the current political system. The majority, according to the report, desire a fundamental change in governance.
As of 2024, the Pew Research Center estimates that roughly 750,000 Iranians reside in the United States, forming a significant and increasingly vocal diaspora community.
Succession and Hardline Continuity
The warning from Tehran coincides with the confirmation of Mojtaba Khamenei as the successor to his father as Supreme Leader. Mojtaba Khamenei has long been considered a key figure within the Iranian establishment and his ascension signals an intention to maintain the hardline policies that have defined the Islamic Republic since the 1979 revolution.
U.S. President Donald Trump previously expressed his disapproval of Mojtaba Khamenei’s potential leadership, referring to him as an “unacceptable” choice and stating he was “not happy” about the appointment, according to reports from Fox News.
Escalating Conflict and Global Economic Impact
The broader conflict between Iran and its adversaries is now in its tenth day and shows no immediate signs of de-escalation. President Trump has demanded an “unconditional surrender” from Iran, a demand that has been firmly rejected by Iranian officials. The war has severely disrupted activity in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping lane, leading to a surge in crude oil prices. A barrel of crude is now trading above $100 for the first time since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
In response to the escalating crisis, finance ministers from the G7 nations – comprising the U.S., Canada, U.K., Japan, Germany, France, and Italy – held an emergency meeting on Monday to address the soaring oil prices. While no formal agreement was reached, the International Energy Agency (IEA) confirmed that all available options were being considered, including the potential release of emergency oil stocks. The IEA member countries collectively hold over 1.2 billion barrels of public emergency oil reserves.
The Iranian government’s threat to seize the assets of diaspora members who express support for opposing forces represents a significant escalation in the conflict, potentially impacting the financial security of thousands of Iranian expatriates and further straining relations between Iran and the international community. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected in the coming days.
The next key development to watch will be the official announcement of any specific legal mechanisms Iran intends to employ to implement the asset seizure threat, and how international courts might respond to such actions.
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