‘Ayatollah’s fixer tries to block sale of £12m flat’

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, October 28, 2026

Iranian businessman Ali Ansari is legally challenging the UK government's approval to sell two London luxury flats he owns, which were seized after mortgage defaults linked to sanctions against him for allegedly financing Iran’s regime. The dispute highlights ongoing enforcement of asset freezes tied to Iran’s Supreme Leader’s circle, with legal proceedings underway to determine the fate of the properties amid claims that sale proceeds will remain frozen.

Ali Ansari, an Iranian businessman identified as a key financier for Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of Iran’s Supreme Leader, is contesting the British Government’s decision to allow the sale of two luxury flats he owns in London. The properties, located in Kensington, have been targeted for sale after Ansari defaulted on their mortgages.

The UK Treasury’s Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) recently granted permission for lenders to seize and put the flats on the market. Authorities contend that Ansari holds the properties on behalf of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior figures within the Iranian regime. Ansari, who operates from Dubai, was subjected to asset freezes by both the UK and US governments last year due to allegations of financing Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Ansari acquired flat 3a Palace Green for £16.75 million in 2014 and its adjacent five-bedroom counterpart for £19 million two years later. Both apartments, now being marketed for just under £12 million, are located near the official residence of the Prince and Princess of Wales and are close to the Israeli embassy in London. Each property includes servant’s quarters and private roof terraces.

The US Treasury has described Ansari as a pivotal financier maintaining an extensive global network of assets on behalf of Mojtaba Khamenei and other regime elites. These London properties are part of an estimated £140 million property portfolio held by Ansari in the city.

In response to the planned sales, Ansari is challenging the UK government’s decision, arguing that the sanction enforcement body erred in permitting the disposal of the assets. Meanwhile, Teneo, the firm managing the receivership, has initiated legal proceedings against Ansari to resolve the dispute in the High Court.

A lawyer representing Ansari has denied any financial connections between their client and Mojtaba Khamenei or the IRGC, stating intentions to contest the imposed sanctions. Any proceeds from the potential sale would be held in trust and frozen while the sanctions remain in effect.

Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei was appointed as Iran’s Supreme Leader in March, following the assassination of his father, Ali Khamenei. Teneo has declined to comment on the ongoing legal matters. Requests for comment from Ansari’s representatives and the UK government have not been responded to.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.