Iran’s prosecutor general has warned that citizens living abroad could face property confiscation and other legal penalties if they publicly support the United States or Israel. The statement, carried by Iranian state media, said a formal warning had been issued to expatriates who “sympathise, support or cooperate” with what Tehran described as the American-Israeli enemy, adding that legal action could be taken against their assets under Iranian law.
The warning follows visible demonstrations by segments of the Iranian diaspora in cities across Europe and North America, where some protesters welcomed the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the US-Israeli strikes that escalated the Middle East conflict. Iran has since appointed his son Mojtaba Khamenei as the new Supreme Leader.
Iranian authorities also cited online activity by expatriates. Newly created Telegram channels have circulated names and details of prominent Iranians abroad who posted messages critical of Iran’s clerical leadership and supportive of the US-Israeli military campaign that began on February 28.
Members of the diaspora interviewed in London said they were not deterred by the threat. Meyam Aghakhani, who works in retail, said overseas Iranians were less worried about property risks when people inside Iran faced lethal force during protests. Another expatriate business owner, Naser Kayvani, said many Iranians had long sought political change and felt they had little choice but to speak out.
Estimates of the Iranian diaspora vary. Iranian government data suggest up to five million citizens live abroad, largely in the United States and Western Europe, while some Iranian media outlets place the figure closer to ten million.
