A recent report by Iran Open Data has shed light on the Iranian regime’s significant financial commitments to religious propaganda in Iraq and other countries. The findings reveal a complex network of institutions and initiatives funded by Iran’s public budget, raising questions about the country’s priorities amidst economic challenges.
Budget Allocation for Religious Cities in Iraq
According to the report, the Iranian government has earmarked at least 1.4 billion tomans (approximately $24,000 at current exchange rates) from the public budget for propaganda activities in Iraq’s religious cities. To put this figure into perspective, it equals the daily wages of about six thousand Iranian workers, based on the Supreme Labor Council’s 2024 resolution setting the daily wage at 238,873 tomans ($4).
The “Reconstruction of the Shrines” Headquarters
The lion’s share of this budget – over one billion tomans – is allocated to the “Reconstruction of the Shrines” headquarters. This organization, established about two decades ago by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, operates as a subsidiary of the IRGC’s Quds Force. Its activities span across Najaf, Karbala, Kazimayn, Kufa, and Samarra, ostensibly focusing on restoring Shiite religious centers while engaging in political propaganda for the Iranian regime.
The 2024 budget law includes a 200 billion tomans ($3,336,113 million) allocation for this headquarters, earmarked for “aid to the coordination and development committee of Arba’in facilities and services in Iraq and aid to the Najaf Ashraf Institute.” The headquarters plans to continue reconstructing over 150 Shiite religious sites in Iraq and other countries over the next 20 years.
Additional Allocations and Institutions
The regime has also set aside 200 billion tomans ($3,336,113 million) for reconstructing and developing the former residence of Ruhollah Khomeini, the regime’s founder, in Najaf.
Other notable budget items include:
Support for the Memorandum Fund’s cultural activities abroad
Funding for the International Islamic Fiqh Academy in Saudi Arabia
Support for the Saqleen Channel’s cultural and religious activities abroad
Several institutions receive public funding for cross-border propaganda, including:
The Islamic Culture and Communication Organization
The Assembly for the Rapprochement of Islamic Sects
Al-Mustafa University
Expanding Influence in Muslim Countries
The regime invests heavily in expanding its influence across Muslim nations. Recent expenditures include:
Activating the “Council of the Representative Office of the Relief Committee” in Iraq
Constructing a mosque in Guinea
Producing media content about Qassem Soleimani’s life in Kenya
Providing financial support for a charity in Tanzania
Offering scholarships to foreign students
From December 2021 to March 2022 alone, at least three million euros were spent on such initiatives.
The Arba’in Pilgrimage
The regime allocates substantial funds to the annual Arba’in pilgrimage. The 2024 budget law provides 100 billion tomans ($1.67 million) to the Ministry of Interior for “Support for Arba’in Pilgrimages.” Additionally, various government entities are required to allocate part of their funds for this event.
Notable allocations include:
400 billion tomans ($6.7 million) announced by the First Vice President for “preventing unexpected incidents”
107 billion tomans ($1.8 million) from Tehran Municipality
98 billion tomans ($1.6 million) from Karaj Municipality
Lack of Transparency
Despite these significant expenditures, the lack of financial transparency in religious and propaganda institutions makes it challenging to calculate the exact figures for overseas activities. This opacity raises concerns about accountability and the true extent of Iran’s foreign influence operations.
In conclusion, while Iran faces domestic economic challenges, the regime continues to allocate substantial resources to religious propaganda and foreign influence activities. This strategy reflects the government’s priorities and its efforts to maintain ideological influence beyond its borders.
Source » irannewsupdate