Iran, a nation with a rich historical legacy and abundant natural resources, remains an economic powerhouse in the Middle East. Despite geopolitical challenges, Iran’s private sector continues to evolve, and a select group of individuals have emerged as the country’s wealthiest, thanks to savvy investments, family legacies, and ventures in energy, trade, and manufacturing. If you’ve been asking: Who are the richest people in Iran in 2025? How did they make their fortunes? Which industries do they lead? What’s their net worth in U.S. dollars? You’re in the right place!
This article explores the top 10 richest people in Iran in 2025 and their net worth, providing an inside look into their backgrounds, businesses, and financial journeys.
Who Are the Top 10 Richest People in Iran in 2025?
These individuals are not just wealthy — they are influential players in shaping Iran’s economy. Through innovation, resilience, and strategic expansion, they have grown their fortunes both inside and outside the country. Let’s explore their stories and uncover what sets them apart.
Profiles of the Top 10 Richest People in Iran in 2025
1. Ebrahim Asgarian – Net Worth: $4.5 Billion
Who is Ebrahim Asgarian?
Ebrahim Asgarian was a legendary Iranian industrialist known for his role in the ceramics and construction material industry. His legacy continues through his family, who manage the Asgarian Group.
How did he make his money?
Asgarian built his wealth in construction materials, real estate, and later banking. His holdings now span healthcare, education, and commercial real estate.
Financial Journey
Starting as a carpenter, he became a titan in Iranian construction. His family remains influential in both industry and philanthropy.
Fun Fact
The Asgarian Foundation funds hospitals and universities across Iran.
2. Sam Nazarian – Net Worth: $3.8 Billion
Who is Sam Nazarian?
Iranian-American entrepreneur Sam Nazarian is the founder of SBE Entertainment Group, known for luxury hotels, nightlife, and restaurants worldwide.
How did he make his money?
By merging hospitality with lifestyle branding. He partnered with global chains and sold hotel stakes to major groups like AccorHotels.
Financial Journey
Though based in the U.S., Nazarian has Iranian heritage and leverages his network for international expansion.
Fun Fact
He owns or has launched hotspots frequented by celebrities in L.A., Miami, and Las Vegas.
3. Isa Kalantari – Net Worth: $3.1 Billion
Who is Isa Kalantari?
An agricultural expert and politician turned entrepreneur, Kalantari invested heavily in agribusiness, irrigation systems, and food production.
How did he make his money?
He revolutionized farming practices in Iran, importing sustainable systems and developing large-scale agribusiness ventures.
Financial Journey
Kalantari’s shift from public to private sector allowed him to capitalize on Iran’s vast farming potential.
Fun Fact
He helped introduce water-saving agricultural technologies in drought-prone areas.
4. Ebrahim Asgarian Family (Next Gen) – Net Worth: $3.0 Billion
Who are they?
The children and grandchildren of Ebrahim Asgarian, they manage diversified assets in real estate, pharmaceuticals, and investment funds.
How did they make their money?
They maintained and grew the family empire while expanding into healthcare and tech through private equity deals.
Financial Journey
A combination of legacy wealth and strategic diversification has kept the family’s net worth soaring.
Fun Fact
The family sponsors innovation centers for startups in Tehran.
5. Babak Zanjani – Net Worth: $2.9 Billion (Frozen Assets)
Who is Babak Zanjani?
A controversial businessman, Zanjani amassed wealth through oil trading, finance, and international business.
How did he make his money?
He acted as a key middleman in circumventing oil sanctions, leveraging offshore companies and complex financial networks.
Financial Journey
Zanjani’s assets have been frozen due to legal issues, but he was once among Iran’s wealthiest.
Fun Fact
His empire included airlines, banks, and luxury real estate — many now nationalized or under legal control.
6. Hassan Khosrowshahi – Net Worth: $2.7 Billion
Who is Hassan Khosrowshahi?
An Iranian-Canadian businessman, he is the founder of Future Shop and head of Persis Holdings.
How did he make his money?
He built and sold Canada’s largest electronics retail chain and now invests in real estate, finance, and pharmaceuticals.
Financial Journey
After fleeing Iran post-1979, he rebuilt his fortune in North America with an eye for long-term investments.
Fun Fact
He is a cousin of Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi.
7. Mahmoud Khayami – Net Worth: $2.4 Billion
Who is Mahmoud Khayami?
Founder of Iran Khodro, the country's largest automobile manufacturer.
How did he make his money?
He turned Iran Khodro into a national brand producing affordable cars domestically with international collaborations.
Financial Journey
Khayami's business expanded into banking and heavy industry before his passing, with assets now held by his estate and heirs.
Fun Fact
He once aimed to export Iranian-made cars to European markets.
8. Dara Khosrowshahi – Net Worth: $2.2 Billion
Who is Dara Khosrowshahi?
An Iranian-American executive, he is the CEO of Uber Technologies.
How did he make his money?
Through executive roles at Expedia and Uber, stock options, and board appointments.
Financial Journey
Although his wealth was earned in the U.S., his Iranian heritage places him among the wealthiest of Iranian origin.
Fun Fact
He is a vocal advocate for immigrant entrepreneurs and tech inclusion.
9. Saeed Laylaz – Net Worth: $1.9 Billion
Who is Saeed Laylaz?
An economist turned entrepreneur, Laylaz has invested in energy analytics, consulting, and petroleum logistics.
How did he make his money?
By providing strategic oil market intelligence and tech solutions to the energy sector.
Financial Journey
Starting as an academic, Laylaz leveraged insights to advise governments and corporations, then moved into private ventures.
Fun Fact
He frequently lectures at Iranian universities about sustainable energy and innovation.
10. Reza Sadeghi Dolatabadi – Net Worth: $1.7 Billion
Who is Reza Sadeghi Dolatabadi?
A financial executive and founder of investment firms focusing on Iran’s privatization wave.
How did he make his money?
He bought stakes in former state-owned companies and grew them into profitable businesses.
Financial Journey
Reza capitalized on economic reforms and deregulation in the 2000s to build an investment empire.
Fun Fact
He holds stakes in telecommunications, banking, and steel.
How Do the Richest People in Iran Make Their Money?
The wealthiest Iranians earn through:
Energy & Oil Trade
Real Estate & Construction
Agriculture & Food Production
Automotive & Manufacturing
Banking & Finance
Technology & Retail
These sectors reflect both traditional strengths and modern transformations within Iran’s economy.
Challenges Faced by Iran’s Richest in 2025
Sanctions and global trade restrictions
Currency devaluation and inflation
Political uncertainty
Limited foreign investment access
Navigating these pressures requires resilience and global partnerships.
How Do Iran’s Richest People Spend Their Wealth?
Global real estate and offshore holdings
Philanthropy in healthcare and education
Investment in startups and tech hubs
Luxury lifestyles and private assets abroad
Lessons from the Top 10 Richest People in Iran in 2025
Leverage local knowledge and global reach
Adapt to shifting regulations
Invest in resilient industries
Build legacy wealth across generations
Use influence for social good
