Report: Khamenei Plans to Flee to Moscow If Protests in Iran Escalate

SadaNews: As the wave of protests triggered by public anger over deteriorating living conditions in Iran continues, intelligence reports published in the "Times" indicate that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has devised an alternative plan to leave the country, should he feel that the army, the Revolutionary Guard, or other security agencies face divisions or mutiny or become unable to carry out his orders.

According to the report, Khamenei, who is 86 years old, plans to escape Tehran with a close circle of up to 20 aides and family members if he notices that the security forces tasked with suppressing the protests are defecting or refusing to follow orders.

An intelligence source told the newspaper, "The alternative plan concerns Khamenei and his very close circle of aides and family, including his son and designated heir Mojtaba."

Beni Sabti, who served for decades in Israeli intelligence after fleeing the regime in Iran following eight years of the Islamic Revolution, added that Khamenei would resort to Moscow because "there is no other place for him." He further stated that Khamenei "admits admiration for Putin, while Iranian culture is closer to Russian culture."

The escape plan is based on the experience of his ally, former Syrian regime President Bashar al-Assad, who left Damascus aboard a plane heading to Moscow to join his family before opposition forces breached the capital in December 2024.

The source said, "They have prepared a plan to leave Tehran if they feel the need to flee," which includes "gathering assets and properties abroad and cash liquidity to facilitate their safe passage," according to the British newspaper.