Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has reportedly prepared a secret “Plan B” to flee Tehran for Moscow with a small inner circle if nationwide protests intensify and security forces fail to crush the unrest.
According to an intelligence report cited by British daily The Times, Khamenei, 86, would leave Iran with up to around 20 close aides and family members, including his son and presumed successor, Mojtaba Khamenei. The plan allegedly includes pre‑mapped exit routes out of Tehran and the accumulation of overseas assets, property, and cash to facilitate a rapid, safe passage to Russia.
Analysts quoted in the reports say Moscow is seen as the most likely refuge because of Iran’s deepening political and military ties with Russia and the lack of other states willing to guarantee Khamenei’s protection. Former Israeli intelligence officer Beni Sabti is cited as saying Khamenei admires Russian President Vladimir Putin and views Russian culture as closer to Iran’s than that of the West.
The contingency is reportedly designed to be activated if Iran’s army, police, or Revolutionary Guard units begin to disobey orders, defect, or prove unable to suppress mounting demonstrations. A Western intelligence psychological profile referenced in the reporting describes Khamenei as physically and mentally weakened after a recent 12‑day conflict with Israel, yet still highly focused on personal survival.
The reports surface amid ongoing anti‑government protests across multiple Iranian cities, with rights groups citing rising arrests and casualties as security forces attempt to restore control. Iranian authorities have not publicly commented on the alleged escape plan, and the claims have not been independently verified by official or international bodies.
