Iran is currently grappling with an unprecedented wave of political and social unrest, as anti-government protests intensify across the nation. In a startling development, an intelligence report has surfaced, indicating that the country's Supreme Leader,. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has devised a contingency plan to flee to Moscow should his regime fall. This revelation comes at a time when Iran's economy is in deep crisis, and public anger is boiling over onto the streets.
Escalating Protests and Khamenei's Plan B
The protests that began in Iran some time ago have now evolved into a full-blown rebellion. According to an intelligence report shared with The Times, if Khamenei's rule in Iran collapses, the 86-year-old Supreme Leader would leave Tehran with his close associates and family members. This drastic step would be taken if his security agencies fail. To suppress the growing demonstrations or abandon him amidst the turmoil. This scenario signals an unprecedented political crisis for Iran, where the Supreme Leader is reportedly contemplating a 'Plan B' for his very survival.
Why Moscow as a Sanctuary?
The intelligence source informed the British newspaper that Khamenei's Plan B involves him leaving the country with his closest associates and family, including his son and designated successor, Mojtaba, while under this plan, approximately 20 close aides and family members could accompany him out of Iran. Moscow is being considered as their potential refuge, given Iran's deep strategic ties with Russia. A precedent for such a move was set in December 2024 when then-Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, an ally of both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Khamenei, fled to Moscow after rebels seized power. This historical event could serve as a compelling example for Khamenei, potentially influencing his decision to seek asylum in Russia.
Widespread Scope of Nationwide Protests
According to the source, if Khamenei feels the need to flee, he has already established an exit route from Tehran. This plan includes accumulating assets and properties abroad to facilitate a safe departure. This suggests that the plan isn't merely an emergency measure but a well-thought-out strategy that has been in preparation for some time. It has also been reported that Khamenei has become mentally and physically weakened after a 12-day. War with Israel in June, raising questions about his decision-making capacity and his grip on power.
The current unrest in Iran was triggered by a deepening economic crisis, rampant inflation, and a plummeting currency, igniting public fury. What began as a shopkeepers' strike in Tehran quickly spread across the entire country. People have taken to the streets to protest against inflation, chanting slogans against the government. Incidents of arson have also been reported in several places, underscoring the severity of public anger. These demonstrations are considered the largest in the past three years, a direct consequence of Iran's weakened state due to economic woes and increasing international pressure.
Government Acknowledgment and Human Rights Violations
According to the report, senior Iranian officials have acknowledged that the country has been pushed into 'survival mode' amidst the escalating and increasingly violent protests against the regime, while human rights organizations reported on Sunday that at least 16 people have died during a week of unrest in Iran. Reports of deaths and arrests have emerged throughout the week, highlighting the gravity of the situation. Hengaw, a Norway-based Kurdish human rights organization, stated that at least 17 people have died since the protests began. Meanwhile, HRANA, a network of human rights activists, reported at least 16 deaths and 582 arrests. These figures illustrate the harsh crackdown by the government against the protestors.
President Pezeshkian's Sensitive Stance
Amidst the turmoil, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has urged the Interior Ministry to adopt a sensitive and responsible approach towards the protestors. According to his statement published in state media, he emphasized that society can't be convinced or calmed by coercive methods. This statement suggests a potential divergence within the government regarding how to handle the protests. The President's stance is seen as an attempt to de-escalate public anger and prevent the situation from deteriorating further.
Trump's Warning and Iran's Retaliation Threat
US President Donald Trump has issued a warning, stating that he. Might intervene to help the protestors if violence occurs against them. On Friday, he declared, "We're fully prepared," though he didn't specify the type of action he was considering. Following this warning, senior Iranian officials issued threats of retaliation against US forces stationed in the region. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei also stated that Iran wouldn't bow to the enemy. This situation could further escalate tensions between Iran and the United States, increasing the risk of instability in the region, while iran's internal crisis is having a profound international impact, and the news of Khamenei's potential escape to Russia could add a new dimension to this geopolitical drama.
