The Iranian government has reportedly allocated a minimum of $600 million (360 trillion rials) to its propaganda efforts for the current calendar year, according to a new report by Iran International. If accurate, this figure may represent only a fraction of the total sum.
The Iran International report reveals that the specific amount set aside for propaganda in the present calendar year, which commenced in March 2024 and concludes in March 2025, is significant. This is particularly so when considering that many employees in both the private and public sectors of the country earn less than $200 per month. In addition to this direct allocation, it is reported that the government provides extra funding to numerous organizations related to propaganda.
Determining the exact total allocated to propaganda proves challenging, according to a separate recent report by Etemad cited by Iran International. The report indicates that the government appropriates funding "for propaganda in every line item, often under obscure designations." However, some amounts are more distinct, such as the 1.10 trillion rials allocated for former President Ebrahim Raisi's provincial visits and 5 trillion rials directed towards the May 10 runoff parliamentary election. Most of these funds were reportedly spent on "advertising the highly staged-managed vote, to urge people to participate."
The Etemad report further notes that over 800 billion rials were assigned to a committee dedicated to an international legal case concerning the killing of former IRGC Qods Force Commander Qasem Soleimani by the United States in 2020. An additional 20 trillion rials were allocated for publicity related to Iran's membership in BRICS and Shanghai pacts. Furthermore, 77 trillion rials were directed towards the Islamic Propagation organization, which operates alongside the Culture Ministry.
Iranian analyst Mehdi Khalaji told Iran International that these figures reveal only "the tip of the iceberg." He suggests that Iran's government runs a financial empire for ideological activities not only within Iran but also in the Middle East and other countries.