X Under Fire: Elon Musk’s Platform Accused of Aiding Sanctioned Iranian Regime

In a striking contradiction to Elon Musk’s vocal support for Iranian protesters and his provision of Starlink internet access during a nationwide blackout, his social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), stands accused of potentially violating US sanctions. A new report from the Tech Transparency Project (TTP), shared exclusively with WIRED, alleges that X has been profiting from the very Iranian government officials Musk has publicly condemned, by selling them premium accounts.

Premium Access for Propaganda?

The TTP investigation uncovered more than two dozen X accounts, purportedly operated by Iranian government officials, state agencies, and state-run news outlets, all displaying the coveted blue checkmark. This symbol signifies access to X’s premium service, which includes features like increased reach and engagement – crucial for disseminating messages. These accounts were reportedly active in sharing state-sponsored propaganda, even as ordinary Iranians faced a near-total internet blackout. The TTP highlights that these premium subscriptions, costing $8 a month for Premium or $40 a month for Premium+, effectively provided a “social media bullhorn” for the Iranian government to amplify its narrative.

Undermining Sanctions and US Policy

The timing of these allegations is particularly sensitive. As the Trump administration threatened Iran with military action over nuclear enrichment and ballistic missile demands, X’s alleged actions appear to directly undermine US foreign policy efforts. Katie Paul, director of the TTP, emphasized the gravity of the situation to WIRED: “The fact that Elon Musk is not just platforming these individuals, but taking their money to boost their content through these premium subscriptions and give them extra features also means he’s undermining the sanctions that the US and the Trump administration are actually applying.”

While X did not respond to WIRED’s request for comment, a swift reaction followed the inquiry. Within hours of WIRED flagging several specific accounts, their blue checkmarks were removed. However, the TTP noted that other accounts they identified, but did not share with X, continued to display premium status. The White House, when approached for comment, directed WIRED to the Treasury Department, which stated it takes “allegations of sanctionable conduct extremely seriously” but declined to comment on specific cases.

Musk’s Public Stance vs. Platform’s Practice

Musk has publicly aligned himself with the Iranian protest movement. Following widespread protests that erupted in Tehran over economic crisis and currency devaluation, leading to brutal crackdowns by the regime, Musk echoed former President Donald Trump’s support for the demonstrators. Trump had promised intervention, stating, “We are locked and loaded and ready to go,” while Musk labeled Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei “delusional.”

Further demonstrating his stance, X changed the Iranian flag emoji on its platform to one used before the 1979 revolution, featuring a lion and sun. On January 14, Musk announced free Starlink internet access for anyone in Iran with a device, providing a vital lifeline during the government-imposed internet blackout. Yet, amidst these public gestures of opposition, the TTP report suggests that dozens of accounts linked to the Iranian regime continued to operate with premium features, disseminating unchecked propaganda.

Sanctioned Officials Among Premium Users

The TTP report specifically named several high-profile Iranian officials who allegedly held blue checkmarks. Among them was Ali Larijani, a senior aide to Iran’s supreme leader and a US-sanctioned individual, whose account boasted over 120,000 followers. Larijani, sanctioned by the US Treasury for being an “architect of Iran’s brutal crackdown on peaceful protests,” used his X platform to counter Trump’s calls for continued protests, labeling him one of the “main killers of the people of Iran.” His blue checkmark was also removed after WIRED’s outreach.

Another prominent figure identified was Ali Akbar Velayati, a member of the Supreme Leader’s inner circle and former foreign minister. Velayati, sanctioned by the Treasury in 2019 for supporting the Syrian regime, also had his blue checkmark removed on Wednesday. He had previously been charged by Argentinian authorities with homicide over a 1994 bombing.

The Unfolding Controversy

This controversy places X and Elon Musk in a precarious position, highlighting a significant disconnect between public statements and operational practices. As US sanctions aim to isolate and pressure the Iranian regime, the allegations of X facilitating and profiting from its propaganda machine raise serious questions about corporate responsibility, compliance with international law, and the ethical implications of platform governance in geopolitical conflicts. The incident underscores the complex challenges faced by global tech companies navigating intricate political landscapes and the imperative for rigorous adherence to international sanctions.

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