Iran: Activists sound alarm as regime seizes Baha'i assets

As Washington attempts to intensify economic pressure on Iran , ordinary Iranians are facing mounting financial distress .

Rights groups say Iranian authorities are increasingly using asset seizures against religious minorities , dissidents and government critics, adding a new layer of economic pressure for people already struggling with soaring living costs .

Members of Iran's Baha'i religious minority seem to be bearing the brunt of the crackdown.

The faith, which originated in 19th-century Persia — now Iran — is not officially recognized by the Islamic Republic . Unlike Christians, Jews and Zoroastrians, Baha'is are not protected under Article 13 of Iran's constitution, leaving them vulnerable to longstanding discrimination and persecution.

The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency in Iran (HRANA) reported "a wave of arrests, searches of homes and businesses, and seizures of property belonging to Baha'i citizens" at the end of August.

Amnesty International said persecution of the Baha'i community has intensified since the 12-day war between Iran and Israel in June 2025, citing what it described as "a coordinated state campaign of incitement to hostility, violence, discrimination and disinformation falsely accusing Baha'is as spies and collaborators for Israel."

"Under current conditions, all people in Iran are facing economic hardship and extremely difficult living conditions, barely putting food on the table for their families," said Padideh Sabeti, spokesperson for the International Baha'i Community.

However, Baha'is suffer even more from the country's economic situation, "as the government's discriminatory practices deprive them of the ability to earn a living," she added.