Iranian activists living abroad say authorities are detaining their relatives and threatening to seize their property in an effort to silence dissent. Families of exiled figures have reportedly been taken for questioning, held without clear charges, or released on bail with travel bans, while officials review their alleged contact with loved ones overseas. Some detainees include elderly parents and young relatives with no political involvement.

The crackdown comes amid heightened tensions linked to the war involving Iran, Israel and the United States, and follows widespread protests earlier this year that were met with deadly force and an internet shutdown. Rights groups report hundreds of arrests since late February, though they believe the true number is far higher. Security officials have warned that any renewed protests will be met with lethal force, and state media frequently label detainees as foreign agents or traitors.

Authorities have also moved to confiscate assets belonging to prominent exiles under a recently approved anti espionage law. Actors, athletes, musicians and academics living abroad have reportedly had property seized or bank accounts frozen after expressing support for anti government protests. Meanwhile, concerns are growing about deteriorating prison conditions and the functioning of courts as the conflict continues.

The mounting pressure has prompted renewed efforts among fragmented opposition groups overseas to coordinate and push for political change. Activists say targeting their families is intended to prevent Iranian voices from reaching the outside world, even as many inside the country feel trapped by both internal repression and external conflict.