Iranian press review: Iranian elite profit billions from oil sanctions

Iranian elites reap billions from oil sanctions, according to local media reports. Yashar Soltani, an investigative journalist, claims that an exclusive network of four brokers has usurped the Ministry of Petroleum's control over Iran's oil industry, profiting from circumventing international sanctions. Former intelligence Deputy Mohammad Javad Bavand oversees the sale of 80 million barrels of oil to these brokers, generating an estimated $1.5 billion in discounts alone.

Additional oil shipments worth 100 million barrels have disappeared, with the current holders of the oil sales responsibilities unknown. Meanwhile, five detained students have been sentenced to death by an Islamic Revolutionary Court, facing charges such as "collusion against national security" and "insulting the Prophet." Activists warn that more students may face execution following US and Israeli attacks in February.

Despite proposals by lawmakers to withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), Iran's top decision-makers believe it would harm the country, as it could lead to international consensus against Iran and the loss of support from Russia and China. US sanctions also target Iranians seeking to study or work abroad, suspending international language exams.