Iran Seizes Assets of 22 Individuals Linked to US and Israel

Iranian judicial authorities have ordered the identification and confiscation of all property belonging to 22 individuals allegedly linked to the United States and Israel. The enforcement action, carried out in the Semnan province, encompasses the seizure of both movable and immovable assets, the freezing of bank accounts, and a total prohibition on financial transactions or transfers. This measure reflects an intensification of domestic legal pressures following the enactment of stricter national security legislation aimed at combating foreign intelligence operations.

Legal Framework and Scope of Seizures

The judicial authorities in Semnan pointed out that the current proceedings are being conducted in accordance with the Law on Punishing Espionage and Upholding Public Rights. This legislation, which was significantly strengthened in late 2025, provides a broad mandate for the state to target assets of those accused of cooperating with "hostile regimes." According to the provincial judiciary, the primary objective is to safeguard national security and interests against activities coordinated with the Israeli regime and its affiliates.

The scope of the enforcement includes:

• Seizure of real estate and movable property within Iranian territory.
• Freezing of all domestic bank accounts associated with the accused.
• A ban on the transfer of funds, including traditional and potentially digital assets.

Context of Increasing Asset Control

This case is being heard amid a wider crackdown on individuals and entities suspected of bypassing financial restrictions or participating in intelligence activities. In early 2026, Iran established the Central Bank of Iran (CBI) as the sole regulator for digital assets, mandating strict compliance with monitoring protocols to prevent capital flight and unauthorized foreign transfers.

The judicial action in Semnan follows similar orders in other provinces, such as Hamedan, where assets of 36 individuals were targeted for alleged links to hostile actors earlier this year.

Under the current legal climate, receiving assets—including gold, foreign currency, or crypto-assets—from individuals or services affiliated with foreign intelligence can lead to severe penalties, including total property confiscation and imprisonment.

The Iranian judiciary has emphasized that the law applies to both residents and those abroad whose actions are deemed to threaten national stability. While the specific identities of the 22 individuals in Semnan have not been released, the judicial authorities reaffirmed that there would be no leniency in enforcing the state’s right to reclaim property from those found in violation of espionage laws.