The bonyads — Iran's parastatal foundations
Tax-privileged foundations, appointed by and reporting to the Supreme Leader, that hold a large share of the economy.
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
Former government minister Behzad Nabavi is quoted stating that four institutions — Setad/EIKO, the IRGC's Khatam al-Anbiya, Astan Quds Razavi, and the Foundation of the Oppressed (Bonyad Mostazafan) — control roughly 60% of national wealth.
Sources:
UANI Corruption & Mismanagement Index (attributing the Nabavi remark)
Official sanction
Astan Quds Razavi, alongside EIKO, was re-designated by OFAC in January 2021 under Executive Order 13876.
Sources:
US Treasury/OFAC, 13 January 2021
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.