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Astan Quds Razavi — the shrine endowment

The tax-exempt religious endowment that runs the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad and controls an estimated $20 billion-plus in land and diversified holdings.

How to read this Every claim below is labelled by evidentiary strength. Documented = primary document or multiple credible outlets. Official sanction = a government designation exists — a designation, not a court conviction. Estimated = a credible estimate (estimator named). Alleged / contested = reported but disputed or unproven.
Estimated

Astan Quds Razavi, custodian of the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad, controls an estimated $20 billion-plus in land plus diversified industrial, financial and agricultural holdings.

Sources: Iran Watch (Wisconsin Project) — "Astan Quds Razavi" • US Treasury/OFAC press release SM1234 (13 Jan 2021)
Documented

It has been exempt from both taxes and public accountability since a 1983 order by Khomeini, reaffirmed by Khamenei, and is not subject to parliamentary budget approval.

Sources: US Treasury/OFAC press release SM1234 (2021) • Iran Watch (Wisconsin Project)
Official sanction

OFAC designated Astan Quds Razavi on 13 January 2021 under Executive Order 13876.

Sources: US Treasury/OFAC press release SM1234 (13 Jan 2021) • USIP Iran Primer (2021)
Documented

Its custodian is appointed directly by Khamenei; Ebrahim Raisi ran it (2016–2019) before becoming Iran's president, and was succeeded by Ahmad Marvi.

Sources: Iran Watch (Wisconsin Project) — "Astan Quds Razavi"
Editorial note. Artesh reports designations, estimates and allegations by their evidentiary strength and never presents a sanction as a conviction or an estimate as an audited figure. Corrections are made promptly; if you can add or correct a sourced fact, contact us.

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