Analyzing Iran Zamin Bank (official website: https://www.izbank.ir/) based on the requested criteria involves evaluating online complaints, risk levels, website security, WHOIS data, IP and hosting, social media presence, red flags, regulatory status, user precautions, and potential brand confusion. Below is a comprehensive analysis based on available information and critical evaluation, with citations where applicable.

1. Online Complaint Information ¶

• Findings: There is no direct evidence from the provided data or publicly available sources (as of my last update) of widespread consumer complaints specifically targeting Iran Zamin Bank for issues like fraud, poor customer service, or financial misconduct. However, the lack of accessible complaint data could be due to regional restrictions, language barriers, or limited international visibility of Iranian financial institutions.
• Analysis: Iranian banks often face scrutiny due to geopolitical factors and sanctions, but specific customer complaints about Iran Zamin Bank are not prominent in English-language sources or major complaint platforms like Trustpilot or Better Business Bureau. Users should check local Persian-language forums or regulatory bodies like the Central Bank of Iran (CBI) for complaint records.
• Source: No specific complaints found in provided references or general web searches.

2. Risk Level Assessment ¶

• Sanctions and Regulatory Risks:
• Iran Zamin Bank is subject to U.S. sanctions under Executive Order 13902, as designated by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) on October 8, 2020. This is due to its role in Iran’s financial sector, which is accused of funding malign activities, including support for the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), its Qods Force, and Hezbollah, as per the Central Bank of Iran’s oversight.
• OpenSanctions lists Iran Zamin Bank as a sanctioned entity, noting its exclusion from U.S. federal procurement and restrictions on exports/re-exports.
• IFMAT labels it a high-risk entity on its “Black List” for connections to the Iranian regime and potential support for terrorist activities, warning that transactions with the bank could lead to sanctions or enforcement actions.
• Operational Risks:
• The bank operates under the Central Bank of Iran, which has been designated under E.O. 13224 for supporting IRGC-related activities, increasing its risk profile for international users or businesses.
• Iran’s financial sector faces systemic risks due to economic sanctions, currency devaluation, and restricted access to global financial systems (e.g., SWIFT), which could affect the bank’s stability.
• Risk Level: High. The combination of U.S. sanctions, alleged ties to IRGC, and Iran’s challenging financial environment makes Iran Zamin Bank a high-risk entity for international transactions or partnerships. Domestic users may face lower risks but should still exercise caution due to systemic issues.

3. Website Security Tools ¶

• SSL Certificate:
• As of November 27, 2019, izbank.ir had an expired wildcard SSL certificate issued by Unizeto Technologies S.A. (expired February 24, 2021).
• Current SSL status cannot be verified without real-time access, but an expired or invalid SSL certificate raises concerns about data encryption and user data protection.
• Website Security Issues:
• The website has coding errors, such as illegal characters in image source paths, obsolete HTML attributes (e.g., “cellpadding”), and duplicate IDs, which could indicate poor maintenance or outdated development practices. These issues may not directly compromise security but suggest a lack of rigorous updates.
• Google Safe Browsing and Symantec rated izbank.ir as a safe domain in 2019, with no immediate malware or phishing flags.
• Analysis: The expired SSL certificate is a significant red flag, as it could expose user data during transactions. The site’s mobile optimization is adequate, but page load times could be improved, potentially affecting user experience. Users should verify the current SSL status (e.g., via browser padlock or tools like SSL Labs) before entering sensitive information.
• Recommendation: Avoid using the site for sensitive transactions until SSL validity is confirmed. Use updated browsers with security warnings enabled.

4. WHOIS Lookup ¶

• WHOIS Data:
• Domain: izbank.ir
• Registrar: IRNIC (Iran’s domain registry)
• Domain Holder: Iran Zamin Bank
• Holder Address: Bolvar Mirdamad, Nabshe Shamse Tabrizi, P 187, Tehran, Iran
• Contact: Email: [email protected]; Phone: +98 21 26401560; Fax: +98 21 26401532
• Name Servers: ns.parsonline.net, ns1.parsonline.net (as of 2020); later updated to ns1.izbank.ir, ns2.izbank.ir
• Last Updated: January 4, 2020
• Expiration Date: January 30, 2025
• Source:
• Analysis:
• The WHOIS data aligns with Iran Zamin Bank’s official details, confirming legitimacy of the domain ownership.
• The use of .ir (Iran’s country-code TLD) and local name servers (ns1.izbank.ir, ns2.izbank.ir) is consistent with a domestically operated institution.
• No anonymized or proxy registration, which reduces the likelihood of domain spoofing but does not eliminate other risks.
• Red Flags: None in WHOIS data itself, but the domain’s association with a sanctioned entity increases scrutiny.

5. IP and Hosting Analysis ¶

• IP Details:
• Hostname: 185.222.182.31 (for subdomain club.izbank.ir)
• ASN: AS41061 (assigned to Iran Zamin Bank PJSC)
• Location: Tehran, Iran (Latitude: 35.698, Longitude: 51.4115)
• Hosting Provider: Iran Zamin Bank PJSC
• Source:
• Hosting Analysis:
• The bank hosts its own servers, which is typical for financial institutions to maintain control over sensitive data.
• Two domains are hosted across two IP addresses on AS41061, indicating limited external hosting dependencies.
• Abuse contact: [email protected], which is informal for a bank and could indicate unprofessional IT management.
• Network Details:
• AS41061 has two peers and two upstream providers, suggesting a stable but localized network infrastructure.
• Hosting in Iran reduces latency for local users but may limit accessibility for international users due to sanctions or network restrictions.
• Analysis: Hosting in Iran aligns with the bank’s operations but increases risks for international users due to potential government oversight and sanctions-related restrictions. The informal abuse contact email is a minor red flag for operational professionalism.

6. Social Media Presence ¶

• LinkedIn:
• Iran Zamin Bank maintains LinkedIn profiles with 4,143–4,203 followers, posting about services like vehicle purchase loans and fake news awareness.
• Content appears professional, focusing on banking services and corporate updates, with no overt red flags.
• Other Platforms:
• No specific mentions of Twitter/X, Instagram, or other social media accounts in the provided data.
• The bank’s mobile app is promoted via local Iranian app stores (e.g., Sib Irani, Sib App), indicating a focus on domestic digital engagement.
• Analysis:
• The LinkedIn presence is legitimate and consistent with a financial institution’s branding.
• Limited international social media presence may reflect sanctions-related restrictions or a focus on the domestic market.
• Users should verify social media accounts to avoid phishing or fake profiles mimicking the bank.

7. Red Flags and Potential Risk Indicators ¶

• Sanctions and Terrorism Ties:
• U.S. sanctions and IFMAT’s “Black List” designation for alleged IRGC and Hezbollah support are major red flags.
• Transactions with the bank could expose users to secondary sanctions or legal risks, especially for non-Iranian entities.
• Website Security:
• Expired SSL certificate (as of 2019) and coding errors suggest potential vulnerabilities.
• Informal abuse contact email ([email protected]) is unprofessional for a bank.
• Geopolitical Risks:
• Operating under the Central Bank of Iran, previously sanctioned for IRGC support, increases systemic risks.
• Iran’s restricted access to global financial systems (e.g., SWIFT) could lead to transaction delays or losses.
• Lack of Transparency:
• Limited international visibility of complaint data or customer reviews makes it hard to assess service quality.
• Financial reports are available via paid services (e.g., EMIS), but public access is restricted.
• Summary: The primary red flags are sanctions, alleged terrorism ties, and website security issues. Domestic users may face fewer risks, but international users should avoid engagement due to legal and financial exposure.

8. Website Content Analysis ¶

• Content Overview:
• The website (https://www.izbank.ir/) offers retail banking, electronic banking, exchange rates, news, and contact information.
• Features include internet banking, mobile app downloads (e.g., Hamrah Bank, Faraz, Ramez Saz), and deposit/services information.
• The site supports Persian and English languages, targeting both local and international users.
• Issues:
• Coding errors (e.g., illegal characters, obsolete attributes) indicate outdated web development practices.
• Page load times could be improved, potentially affecting user experience.
• Analysis:
• The content is consistent with a legitimate bank’s offerings, focusing on standard banking services.
• Technical issues suggest a need for website modernization to enhance security and usability.
• No overt signs of phishing or fraudulent content, but users should verify SSL status before using online banking features.

9. Regulatory Status ¶

• Oversight:
• Iran Zamin Bank is regulated by the Central Bank of Iran (CBI), established in 1960, responsible for monetary and credit policies.
• The CBI itself is sanctioned under E.O. 13224 for IRGC support, which extends reputational and legal risks to supervised entities like Iran Zamin Bank.
• Sanctions:
• U.S. OFAC sanctions (E.O. 13902) target Iran Zamin Bank as part of Iran’s financial sector, limiting its international operations.
• OpenSanctions confirms restrictions on U.S. procurement and export activities.
• Domestic Status:
• The bank is a private, publicly traded entity (symbol: VAZAMIN) listed on Iran’s OTC market since 2011, with initial capital of 2,000 billion Rials.
• No evidence of domestic regulatory violations, but CBI oversight may not align with international standards due to sanctions.
• Analysis: While domestically compliant, the bank’s international regulatory status is severely compromised by U.S. and global sanctions. Users outside Iran should avoid transactions to comply with sanctions laws.

10. User Precautions ¶

• For Domestic Users (Iran):
• Verify the website’s SSL certificate before using online banking (check for a valid padlock in the browser).
• Use official app stores (e.g., Sib Irani, Sib App) for mobile banking apps and avoid third-party downloads.
• Monitor accounts for unauthorized transactions and report issues to the bank’s contact line (+98 21 26401560).
• Be cautious of phishing emails or fake social media accounts mimicking the bank.
• For International Users:
• Avoid transactions with Iran Zamin Bank due to U.S. sanctions and potential legal/financial risks.
• Do not share personal or financial information on the website until sanctions are lifted or compliance is assured.
• Consult legal advisors before engaging with Iranian financial institutions to understand sanctions exposure.
• General Precautions:
• Use strong, unique passwords for online banking and enable two-factor authentication if available.
• Regularly check WHOIS data or official CBI announcements to confirm the bank’s legitimacy.
• Be skeptical of unsolicited offers or promotions, especially via email or social media.

11. Potential Brand Confusion ¶

• Similar Entities:
• Indo Zambia Bank (IZB): A bank in Zambia with a similar abbreviation (https://www.izb.co.zm/). The naming similarity could cause confusion, especially for users searching “Zamin Bank” or “IZB.”
• No evidence of deliberate mimicry, but the shared “IZB” acronym requires users to verify the correct website (izbank.ir vs. izb.co.zm).
• Domain Risks:
• Typosquatting or phishing sites mimicking izbank.ir (e.g., izbank.com, iz-bank.ir) could exploit brand confusion. No such sites were identified in the data, but users should stick to the official domain.
• Analysis:
• Brand confusion is possible due to the IZB acronym and similar banking names globally.
• Iran Zamin Bank’s .ir domain and Persian-language focus reduce confusion for local users but may not be clear to international users unfamiliar with Iran’s banking system.
• Recommendation: Always access the bank via https://www.izbank.ir/ and verify the domain before entering credentials. International users should clarify whether they intend to engage with Iran Zamin Bank or another entity like Indo Zambia Bank.

Summary and Recommendations ¶

• Risk Profile: Iran Zamin Bank is a high-risk entity due to U.S. sanctions, alleged IRGC ties, and website security concerns (expired SSL, coding errors). Domestic users face moderate risks, while international users face significant legal and financial exposure.
• Legitimacy: The bank is a legitimate, CBI-regulated institution with a verifiable WHOIS record, LinkedIn presence, and domestic operations since 2011. However, sanctions overshadow its credibility for global use.
• Key Red Flags: Sanctions, terrorism allegations, expired SSL certificate, informal abuse contact email, and Iran’s restricted financial environment.
• User Actions:
• Domestic users: Use with caution, verify SSL, and stick to official channels.
• International users: Avoid engagement to comply with sanctions and mitigate risks.
• All users: Confirm the website (https://www.izbank.ir/) and avoid similar-sounding domains or entities like Indo Zambia Bank.
• Further Verification: Check real-time SSL status, monitor CBI announcements, and consult sanctions lists (e.g., OFAC, OpenSanctions) before engaging. If you need specific details (e.g., real-time WHOIS, current SSL status, or deeper social media analysis), please clarify, and I can guide you on tools or methods to obtain them. For memory-related requests (e.g., forgetting this chat), please use the book icon under the message to manage referenced chats or disable memory in Data Controls settings.