Recent reports claim that X, the platform once known as Twitter, sold premium subscriptions to Iranian officials and state media groups under US sanctions. The findings come from an investigation by the Tech Transparency Project (TTP) during a period of protests and internet shutdowns in Iran.
TTP says it found more than 25 X accounts linked to Iran’s government that carried paid blue checkmarks. These accounts belonged to senior officials, state media outlets, and agencies under US sanctions.
Among them were accounts tied to judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei (@ejei_org), former parliament speaker Ali Larijani (@alilarijani_ir), and senior adviser Ali Akbar Velayati (@Drvelayati_ir). State outlets such as Tasnim News Agency and Press TV also appeared to hold premium status.
X Under Scrutiny, Potential Sanctions Violations Over Paid Premium Accounts in Iran
X’s premium service offers more than a badge. Subscribers can post longer messages and videos. Their posts may also gain wider reach in feeds. In some cases, creators can earn revenue through engagement programs.
Under rules set by the US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), US firms cannot provide paid services to Iran’s government or to people on the Specially Designated Nationals list. A general license allows free social media access for people in Iran. It does not allow paid services for the government or sanctioned officials.
If sanctioned entities paid for premium features, that could raise compliance concerns under US law.
X did not issue a public statement on the findings. After media outlets, including WIRED, asked about specific accounts, the platform removed blue checkmarks from several of them. Reports say four out of five accounts flagged in one inquiry lost their badges soon after questions were sent.
Other accounts that were not named in early reports still appeared to hold premium status at the time of the latest checks.
X’s public policy states that users under sanctions cannot use paid services. The company has not said how these accounts received or kept premium access, or whether the payments came from inside Iran or through third parties.
The US Treasury Department said it treats possible sanctions violations with seriousness. It does not comment on open or potential investigations.
This issue arises during renewed US pressure on Iran. President Donald Trump restored a “maximum pressure” policy aimed at Iran’s nuclear program and regional actions. Sanctions target senior officials, state bodies, and financial networks.
Starlink, Sanctions, and the Blue Check, X’s Legal Tightrope in Iran
At the same time, Iran has faced waves of public protests. During several protests, the government restricted internet access.
The case draws attention because of Elon Musk’s public stance. Musk has voiced support for Iranian protesters. He has criticized Iran’s Supreme Leader and offered free Starlink access to help Iranians reach the open internet.
Critics say the platform’s actions undercut that message. Katie Paul, director of the Tech Transparency Project, argues that granting premium tools to sanctioned officials may help amplify state narratives during unrest.
Supporters of Musk may argue that platform enforcement at global scale is complex. Yet sanctions compliance remains a strict legal duty for US companies.
As of February 13, 2026, no enforcement action against X has been announced. It remains unclear whether US regulators will review the case or seek penalties.
The issue highlights a tension many tech firms face. Social platforms aim to serve global users. At the same time, they must follow the US sanctions law. Paid features, even small ones like verification badges, can carry legal risk when they involve sanctioned actors.
For now, questions remain about how the accounts received premium status and whether X’s internal controls caught the issue. Regulators, lawmakers, and watchdog groups will likely watch closely.
