Iran’s top leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is reportedly considering escaping to Russia if his government can’t stop the protests in Iran, according to intelligence information.
A British intelligence report, shared with The Times, says Khamenei and 20 of his family members and close advisors are planning to leave Iran for Russia. One of those leaving is his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, who is thought to possibly take over as the next leader.
The escape plan is believed to be inspired by how Syria’s former leader, Bashar al-Assad, left Damascus for Moscow in December 2024. A source close to the situation told The Times that they have already set up a way to leave Tehran if needed.
The report also mentions that part of the plan involves gathering money and property outside Iran to help make the escape safe. Khamenei is the highest authority in Iran and controls the military, the court system, and the media.