From Pierre Omidyar to Behdad Eghbali: Top 5 richest persons from Iran - Check out their net worth

Richest Iranians: As tensions rise in the Middle East due to the Israel Iran war, it's easy to overlook another fascinating aspect of Iran 〞 the financial empires built by some of the richest Iranians in history. While the headlines are dominated by missile strikes and geopolitical drama, a group of ultra-wealthy individuals of Iranian origin continues to thrive, with billion-dollar businesses and global influence.

In this article, we explore the 5 richest persons in Iran (or of Iranian descent), their inspiring journeys, and how they earned their massive fortunes.

A Glimpse into Iran＊s Global Economic Influence

While Iran is the sixth-largest country in Asia and the second-largest in the Middle East, its influence extends far beyond geography. Despite political and economic challenges, several richest persons in Iran have built impressive businesses across tech, finance, space, and entertainment industries.

Many of these billionaires may reside abroad, but their roots remain Iranian. Let＊s now take a look at the top richest Iranians in 2025 and explore their net worth and business ventures.

1. Pierre Omidyar 每 Net Worth: $10.4 Billion

Founder of eBay and Global Philanthropist

Pierre Omidyar | Credit: Forbes

Topping the list of the richest persons from Iran is Pierre Omidyar, the founder of eBay. Born to Iranian parents, Omidyar launched eBay in 1995, which went on to become a global giant in online auctions.

• PayPal Acquisition: Under Omidyar＊s leadership, eBay acquired PayPal in 2002 and spun it off in 2014.
• Philanthropy: Through the Omidyar Network, he has donated over $1.5 billion to charities and social enterprises.
• Investments: He owns resort properties in California and Mexico, along with real estate development in Cabo San Lucas.
• Media Ventures: He also launched First Look Media, which owns The Intercept and Topic Studios.

Omidyar＊s wealth makes him not only the richest person from Iran but also one of the most influential philanthropists in the world.

2. Behdad Eghbali 每 Net Worth: $4.4 Billion

The Private Equity Powerhouse

Behdad Eghbali | Credit: Forbes

Second on the list of richest Iranians is Behdad Eghbali, cofounder of Clearlake Capital. Born in Iran and raised in the US, Eghbali has made a massive mark in the investment world.

• Clearlake Capital: The firm manages over $90 billion in assets and is known for high-performing investments in software and industrial sectors.
• Sports Investment: In 2022, Clearlake co-purchased English football club Chelsea FC.
• Background: Before founding Clearlake, Eghbali worked with TPG Capital, another global private equity firm.

His success highlights how Iranians have become influential figures in global finance.

3. Farhad Moshiri 每 Net Worth: $2.8 Billion

Football, Finance and International Deals

Farhad Moshiri | Credit: Forbes

Farhad Moshiri, another prominent name among the richest persons in Iran, built his fortune through smart investments in mining, telecom, and football.

• Business Partner: Moshiri partnered with Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov and invested in Metalloinvest and Megafon.
• Football Ventures: He sold his stake in Arsenal FC and invested in Everton FC, making him a key figure in European football.
• Background: Formerly an accountant at Deloitte and Ernst & Young, Moshiri used his financial skills to enter the billionaire league.

Moshiri's journey showcases the global footprint of Iranian-born billionaires.

4. Kam Ghaffarian 每 Net Worth: $2.5 Billion

Rocketing to Success Through Space and Nuclear Energy

Kam Ghaffarian | Credit: IBX

Kamal ※Kam§ Ghaffarian is a serial entrepreneur who has built companies in space technology, nuclear energy, and aerospace engineering.

• Space Projects: He co-founded Intuitive Machines, which made headlines in 2024 when its Odysseus lander successfully completed America＊s first moon mission since 1972.
• Nuclear Energy: In 2009, he launched X-Energy, which is working on nuclear reactors for Dow Chemical.
• Commercial Space Station: Ghaffarian＊s company Axiom Space is developing the world＊s first commercial space station set to launch in 2031.
• Previous Venture: He sold SGT, a major NASA contractor, for $355 million in 2018.

Ghaffarian is a shining example of how the richest Iranians are transforming the future of science and space.

5. Isaac Larian 每 Net Worth: $1.1 Billion

The Toy Tycoon Who Took On Barbie

Isaac Larian | Credit: Forbes

Isaac Larian, the founder and CEO of MGA Entertainment, is a legendary name in the toy industry.

• Bratz Dolls: In 2001, MGA launched the hugely popular Bratz dolls, which outsold Barbie in 2005.
• Legal Battle with Mattel: The company had a famous legal battle with Mattel over Bratz, eventually resulting in MGA being awarded $310 million.
• Other Products: MGA also owns Little Tikes and created the hit doll line Lalaloopsy in 2010.
• Expansion: Larian has built MGA into the largest privately owned toy company in the world.

His journey from an Iranian immigrant to a US billionaire makes him one of the most inspiring richest people from Iran.

Please note: The source of net worth from Forbes as of June 18, 2025

Iran＊s Billionaire Influence Goes Beyond Borders

Despite the ongoing Israel Iran war and political instability, these richest persons in Iran show how talent, resilience, and innovation can build global legacies. From tech and toys to finance and space, these richest Iranians have created massive empires and left their mark on the world.

Their stories inspire not just Iranians but aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere.

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