Inner Circle of Iran’s Supreme Leader Enriches Itself as Poverty Reaches Crisis Level

“Setad (EIKO) provides Khamenei with an independent financial base that operates entirely outside Iran’s elected institutions,” said Saeid Golkar, senior advisor at United Against Nuclear Iran . “Its revenues do not pass through the state budget, parliament, or the presidency, allowing the Supreme Leader to fund patronage networks, security organs, and loyal institutions without negotiating with elected officials.” What makes this model distinctive, Mr. Golkar explains, is “the fusion of clerical authority with a confiscatory holding structure.”