Iranian regime elites allegedly move millions of dollars out of country amid sanctions

Fox News - WorldCenter-RightEN 3 min read 100% complete by Emma BusseyJanuary 19, 2026 at 02:29 AM

AI Summary

medium article 3 min

Reports allege that Iranian regime elites are moving millions of dollars out of the country amid new U.S. sanctions imposed in response to the government's violent crackdown on protests. The alleged "capital flight" coincides with the U.S. Treasury Department's action against shadow banking networks used by Iranian elites to launder revenue from the country's natural resources. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated his department tracked "tens of millions of dollars" being wired out of Iran by leaders. Some reports indicate Mojtaba Khamenei, son of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, allegedly transferred a substantial amount overseas. Experts suggest that if confirmed, the U.S. should monitor, block, and seize these assets tied to sanctioned individuals.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Foundation for Defense of Democracies 40% Donald Trump ×250% Behnam Ben Taleblu ×250% Ayatollah Ali Khamenei 60% Office of Foreign Assets Control 60% Scott Bessent ×260% Mojtaba Khamenei 70% Treasury Department ×270% United States ×380% Iran ×790%

Keywords

capital flight 90% iranian regime 80% sanctions 80% money laundering 70% asset seizure 60% treasury department 50% financial assets 50% shadow banking 40%