A scandal has erupted within Iran’s regime as reports surfaced about the secret sale of 30 valuable artworks from the Imam Ali Museum, affiliated with Tehran’s municipality. Iranian state media, including the Tasnim News Agency, reported on September 20 that these artworks, which had been removed from the museum earlier this year under the supervision of a city official, were discreetly sold in Dubai for millions of dollars.
The revelation was brought to light amid ongoing infighting among the regime’s factions. According to Tasnim, the artworks were taken out of the museum under the guise of being loaned for an exhibition, which never materialized, and subsequently disappeared.
During a city council meeting, Naser Amani, a member of Tehran’s City Council, confirmed that 30 artworks from the Imam Ali Museum had gone missing. He added that these pieces, entrusted to an entity outside the municipality, had not been returned, and no exhibition had been held. One of the paintings alone is valued at approximately 30 billion tomans (about $506,700), highlighting the significant monetary and cultural value of the missing pieces.
Delving into Iran’s #Corruption Chronicles – Part 1https://t.co/3uRDWFAqxD
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Amani expressed frustration over the lack of response from Tehran’s Cultural and Artistic Organization, which manages the museum. Despite numerous written requests, city officials have yet to provide an explanation. Amani vowed to continue raising the issue in future council sessions if a satisfactory explanation is not given.
In recent days, reports have circulated that the missing artworks have been secretly sold in Dubai. World Art Dubai reportedly listed 14 Iranian masterpieces from the museum, raising concerns about the fate of the entire collection. This news has provoked public outcry and increased scrutiny of Tehran’s handling of the issue.
Tehran’s municipality, however, has categorically denied these claims. In an official statement, the Public Relations Department of the Tehran Municipality dismissed the reports as “outrageous lies” and accused rival political factions of spreading misinformation.
This latest scandal is a stark reminder of the deep-rooted corruption within the Iranian regime. From embezzlement of national resources to secret dealings abroad, the ruling mullahs have a long history of plundering Iran’s wealth for personal gain.