X Faces Sanctions Compliance Concerns Over Premium Accounts
The newly verified X account for Iran’s supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei has reignited concerns about the platform’s adherence to U.S. sanctions. Watchdog group Tech Transparency Project (TTP) warns that the account—created in March 2026—may violate sanctions laws by offering premium services to a sanctioned individual. This follows earlier reports of X providing paid perks to Iranian officials under U.S. sanctions since 2019.
The Watchdog’s Findings: Premium Accounts and Sanctions Violations
TTP’s latest investigation reveals Mojtaba Khamenei’s X account carries a blue checkmark, indicating a paid subscription. Despite being sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury since 2019, the account appears to be actively using X’s premium features. The watchdog highlights that the account has already gained over 20,000 followers within hours of its public disclosure.
- Verified perks: Blue checkmarks grant visibility boosts and other platform advantages.
- State-linked promotion: The account was amplified by Iran’s official government-linked X accounts.
- Historical pattern: TTP previously documented over 20 sanctioned individuals receiving X premium services in 2024.
The Broader Pattern: X’s History with Sanctioned Entities
This is not the first time X has faced scrutiny. In 2024, TTP reported that the platform accepted payments from sanctioned Iranian officials and groups. X responded by claiming its “robust and secure approach” to monetization features. However, the watchdog argues that the company’s actions contradict its stated policies.
Katie Paul, TTP director, emphasized the severity: “Musk’s companies have a Pentagon contract while X profits from U.S. adversaries. This dual role raises serious compliance red flags.” The group has documented dozens of accounts linked to sanctioned individuals or terrorist groups using X premium services since 2023.
Implications and Reactions
X has not yet commented on the latest allegations. Last month, the company removed blue checks from several Iran-based accounts flagged by TTP, per Wired reporting. However, the Mojtaba Khamenei account remains active with premium features enabled.
Experts warn that allowing sanctioned individuals to pay for X services could expose the company to legal risks. U.S. sanctions prohibit transactions with designated entities, and violations can result in severe penalties. The situation also raises questions about X’s ability to enforce its own policies consistently.
What’s Next for X and Sanctions Compliance?
As public and regulatory scrutiny intensifies, X faces pressure to clarify its compliance measures. Key steps include:
- Transparency reports: Publish detailed audits of sanctioned account interactions.
- Policy updates: Restrict premium services for verified accounts linked to sanctioned individuals.
- Third-party audits: Engage independent experts to review compliance protocols.
Until then, the Mojtaba Khamenei case underscores the ongoing challenges of balancing platform accessibility with legal obligations. For users, the takeaway is clear: X’s verification system remains a contentious issue in the broader debate over social media’s role in global compliance.
