Iran Threatens Confiscation of Property for Diaspora Supporters of Attacks

In the wake of the U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran, which began on February 28, 2026, the Iranian government has issued a stern warning to members of the Iranian diaspora who publicly celebrated the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Following the announcement of Mojtaba Khamenei as the new supreme leader on March 9, the Iranian authorities threatened to confiscate the properties of those abroad who support attacks on Iran.

The military campaign, which has escalated tensions between Iran and both the United States and Israel, has seen significant public reactions from the Iranian diaspora. Many individuals advocating for political change in Iran took to the streets in various cities across Europe and the United States to express their support for the actions against the Iranian regime. This public display of support has prompted a strong response from Tehran.

Iranian officials have made it clear that those who celebrate or support attacks against the country will face severe consequences. The Iranian government stated, "They will be met with the confiscation of all their properties and other legal penalties in accordance with the law." This statement underscores the government's intent to deter any expressions of dissent or support for foreign military actions against Iran.

Critics of the Iranian government have raised concerns about the implications of such threats. They argue that these measures are indicative of a broader strategy to suppress dissent among the diaspora and instill fear among those advocating for political reform. The potential for property confiscation serves as a warning to those who might consider publicly opposing the regime or supporting foreign interventions.

While Iranian media estimates the number of diaspora supporters celebrating the attacks at around 10 million, the actual number of individuals participating in these demonstrations remains unclear. This discrepancy highlights the challenges in assessing the extent of support for the U.S.-Israeli military actions among the Iranian diaspora.

As the situation evolves, the Iranian government is likely to continue monitoring the activities of its diaspora. The potential for further escalations in the U.S.-Israeli campaign against Iran may lead to additional responses from Tehran, both domestically and internationally. The implications of these threats could also affect the dynamics of the Iranian diaspora's activism and their relationship with the Iranian government.