DUBAI, UAE, March 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- In recent months, amid escalating political tensions surrounding Iran and the growing polarization across social media platforms, a series of unfounded allegations regarding my economic activities and personal affairs — Ali Ansari — have been republished in certain media outlets and online platforms. As some of these claims have now entered parts of the European media landscape, I consider it necessary to provide a clear, documented, and responsible statement.

As an economic actor engaged in the production and services sectors for about 40 years, I have consistently conducted my activities, both inside and outside Iran, in full compliance with national laws and international regulations. Projects such as Iran Mall, developed with the aim of strengthening commercial and tourism infrastructure and creating employment opportunities, have been purely economic in nature. All stages of their implementation were carried out under the supervision of the relevant legal authorities.

However, within Iran's polarized political climate, certain factions portrayed such projects as symbols of "cultural influence," while others attempted to exploit the charged atmosphere by advancing entirely unsubstantiated claims about my alleged connections to political figures or institutions. The existence of these contradictory narratives clearly demonstrates that the objective was not to uncover the truth, but rather to politically instrumentalize the name of a private-sector entrepreneur.

In recent years, due to my shareholding in Future Bank (Bank Ayandeh), I was subjected to extensive legal and regulatory pressures — a process that ultimately led to the bank's dissolution. It is self-evident that had there been any organized relationship or special political backing, such an outcome would not have occurred. This fact alone serves as a documented response to allegations of ties to governmental bodies.

Under current circumstances, and in the context of intensifying geopolitical tensions between Iran and the United States, efforts are underway in the United Kingdom and certain other countries to impose restrictions and sanctions against me without the presentation of credible evidence and through unilateral procedures. Such actions — which appear influenced by prevailing political dynamics and behind-the-scenes lobbying — are inconsistent with the fundamental principles of the rule of law, due process, and the protection of legitimate property rights, all of which are cornerstones of European legal systems. Accordingly, I have instructed my legal counsel to initiate formal proceedings challenging the sanctions imposed by the UK government on 30 October of last year.

Economic activity, particularly at the international level, inherently involves commercial risks, contractual disputes, and professional competition. It is clear that in such an environment, financial disagreements or conflicts of interest may give rise to damaging allegations. Nevertheless, none of these circumstances can substitute for the obligation to present substantiated evidence and to follow established legal procedures.

I have always operated as an independent entrepreneur. I categorically reject all accusations that have been raised and reserve my right to pursue legal action against any individual or entity that, without presenting evidence, seeks to damage my professional reputation and lawful economic activities.

Finally, I call upon professional media outlets in Europe to uphold the fundamental principles of journalism — including verification, impartiality, and a clear distinction between fact and speculation — and to refrain from republishing unverified claims. The credibility of a free press rests on accuracy, fairness, and respect for legal processes. At a time when misinformation can rapidly become a tool for political or economic pressure, the professional responsibility of the media is more important than ever.

Ali Ansari

Media Contact: 

Email: prrelease@bayatgroup.com

Disclaimer: This statement has been provided by Mr. Ali Ansari. Distribution assistance has been arranged through administrative channels. The distributing entity does not endorse or independently verify the statements contained herein.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/bls-iranian-businessman-to-seek-legal-redress-against-uk-government-and-sanctions-302712492.html

Spar hat seine Position als größter Lebensmittelhändler Österreichs im vergangenen Jahr weiter ausgebaut. Der Verkaufsumsatz der Supermarktsparte im Inland stieg um 4,2 Prozent auf 10,8 Milliarden Euro. Der Marktanteil des Handelskonzerns kletterte auf 36,8 Prozent und liegt damit klar vor Rewe mit 32,3 Prozent, wie das Fachmagazin „Key Account“ unter Verweis auf NielsenIQ-Daten berichtete. Auf die Diskonter Hofer und Lidl entfiel ein gemeinsamer Marktanteil von 25,5 Prozent.

Wesentlicher Wachstumstreiber waren die Eigenmarken des Konzerns. Besonders die Discount-Linie „S-Budget“ legte kräftig zu und verzeichnete ein Umsatzplus von 8 Prozent. Insgesamt konnte Spar damit den Abstand zu seinen Mitbewerbern weiter vergrößern. Der Konzern rechnet zudem mit einem zusätzlichen Marktanteilszuwachs von rund 0,2 Prozentpunkten durch die Übernahme von 25 Filialen der Kette Unimarkt. Seit der kartellrechtlichen Freigabe Ende Jänner werden 20 dieser Standorte von selbstständigen Spar-Kaufleuten, fünf direkt von der Spar AG betrieben.

Auf der Ergebnissseite wirkten allerdings mehrere Faktoren dämpfend. Die seit Längerem defizitäre Sporthandelskette Hervis belastete das Konzernergebnis, ehe sie im Jänner verkauft wurde. Zusätzlich drückten Sondersteuern in Ungarn, einem der Auslandsmärkte des Unternehmens, auf die Profitabilität. Spar verweist darauf, dass die Ergebnismarge vor Steuern (EBT) unter 2 Prozent liege und damit deutlich unter jenen großer Industriekonzerne.

Vor diesem Hintergrund kritisierte Spar-Chef Hans K. Reisch eine aus seiner Sicht einseitige Fokussierung der öffentlichen Debatte auf die Handelspreise. Man ärgere sich insbesondere über multinationale Lieferantenkonzerne mit zweistelligen operativen Gewinnmargen, sagte er. Reisch betonte wiederholt, Spar verfüge gegenüber internationalen Markenherstellern wie Procter & Gamble, Johnson & Johnson oder Nestlé über keine Marktmacht. Die von der Politik diskutierten und teilweise umgesetzten Maßnahmen im Bereich Lebensmittelpreise – darunter eine stärkere Grundpreisauszeichnung und Hinweise auf „Shrinkflation“ – ändern an dieser Konstellation aus Sicht des Unternehmens nur begrenzt etwas.