Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s 86-year-old Supreme Leader, is reportedly prepared to leave Tehran with 20 close family members and aides if Iran’s security forces begin to falter amid widespread protests.
According to intelligence sources, Khamenei has devised a contingency escape route to Moscow, echoing Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad’s suspected flight to Russia in late 2024 before rebels took control of Damascus.
A source told The Times: “They have plotted an exit route out of Tehran should they feel the need to escape.” The plan reportedly includes transferring overseas assets, cash, and properties out of Iran to finance the getaway.
Ex-Israeli spy Beni Sabti, who fled Iran years ago, said: “Moscow represents Mr Khamenei’s only viable destination.” He added that Iranian and Russian cultures align, along with Khamenei’s well-known admiration for Vladimir Putin.
Elite Circle in Jeopardy
Khamenei’s son and heir, Mojtaba Khamenei, is named as part of the escape plan. The Supreme Leader’s fortune, managed through the secretive Setad foundation, is estimated at $95 billion (£70.6 billion).
Top officials close to Khamenei reportedly have family members in Canada, the US, and Dubai, suggesting broader emergency exit strategies.
Signs of Weakness Under Pressure
Western intelligence describes Khamenei as a “paranoid,” physically and mentally weakened figure following Iran’s brutal 12-day war with Israel in 2025. Reports claim he hid in a bunker during the conflict.
His silence amid mass protests in Tehran, Qom, and other cities has fueled speculation about his health and weakening control over power.
Huge protests continue amid economic collapse and soaring inflation, with crowds chanting: “No to Gaza, no to Lebanon, I’d give my life for Iran only,” criticizing Khamenei’s costly support for militias like Hezbollah and Hamas.
The Ayatollah still controls Iran’s military, police, judiciary, and state media, with security forces responding harshly using live rounds, tear gas, and water cannons. However, the fear of defections remains a key concern behind the secret flight plan.
Endgame for Iran’s Iron Fist?
Khamenei’s secret escape plan reveals his deep fears of regime collapse, a scenario triggered by Assad’s near downfall. His vast wealth and family’s foreign connections indicate preparations for exile, likely under the protection of Putin’s Russia, Iran’s key regional ally.
As unrest engulfs Iran, the Supreme Leader’s silence and escape plan demonstrate that even the most entrenched dictators recognize when it is time to flee.
Originally published by UKNIP.
