By Trendsetter Tribune 
Top Iranian officials, including Ayatollah Khamenei’s son, reportedly transferred $1.5 billion to Dubai amid Ayandeh Bank’s collapse and mounting protests across Iran.
Iran is facing a severe economic and political crisis as top officials reportedly moved $1.5 billion to Dubai amid widespread public unrest and the collapse of a major bank. The move has intensified outrage among citizens already grappling with inflation, unemployment, and infrastructure challenges.
$1.5 Billion Transfer to Dubai
According to a statement dated January 15, 2026, Mike Huckabee, U.S. ambassador under former President Donald Trump, said he provided his bank account for Iranian officials to safeguard the funds. “I’ve sent my account info to these Iranian officials so they can transfer those funds to me for safekeeping. They surely can trust me at least as much as the world can trust them,” Huckabee said.
The transfers are reported to involve senior figures, including the son of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, raising concerns about elite financial maneuvering amid growing instability.
Ayandeh Bank Collapse and Economic Fallout
The financial turmoil stems largely from the collapse of Ayandeh Bank, one of Iran’s largest private lenders. The bank reportedly lost nearly $5 billion in bad loans and was merged into a state-owned lender to cover immediate liabilities. However, experts say the move failed to address systemic financial weaknesses.
Ayandeh Bank, founded in 2012, operated 270 branches nationwide, including 150 in Tehran. Its largest investment was the Iran Mall, a massive complex with theaters, libraries, pools, and gardens. The mall opened as the Iranian rial plummeted, wages fell, food prices surged, and water and energy shortages worsened.
President Masoud Pezeshkian even proposed relocating the capital from Tehran to the Indian Ocean coast, citing the worsening crises.
Public Reaction and Protests
The $1.5 billion transfer, combined with the bank collapse, has fueled nationwide protests despite government crackdowns and intermittent internet blackouts. Citizens are demanding accountability and reforms as the perception of elite favoritism grows.
“It’s yet another example of corruption or unfair practices that give ordinary Iranians the impression that the system is rigged against them or, at least, in favor of a small number of elites,” said Esfandyar Batmanghelidj, CEO of the Bourse & Bazaar Foundation.
Broader Banking Challenges
Ayandeh Bank is not alone in facing financial stress. Five other Iranian banks—Sarmayeh, Day, Sepah, Iran Zamin, and Melal—are also struggling with debt and operational difficulties. Ayandeh alone accumulated roughly $5.2 billion in losses and $2.9 billion in debt.
Experts warn that without structural reforms, Iran’s banking system and broader economy remain at risk of further destabilization, potentially worsening public unrest.