Tehran: Amid intensifying anti-government protests fuelled by crippling economic woes, unconfirmed intelligence reports suggest Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has a secret contingency to flee to Russia should his regime face collapse.
According to a report in The Times, citing an anonymous intelligence source, the 86-year-old leader — weakened after a brief war with Israel last year — could evacuate Tehran with his son Mojtaba and about 20 close aides and family members if security forces fail to quell the unrest or defect.
Protests, sparked by soaring inflation and currency devaluation, have spread nationwide, marking the largest demonstrations in three years. Human rights groups have reported at least 16–17 deaths and over 580 arrests in the past week, with clashes turning violent in several cities.
Iranian officials have admitted entering “survival mode”, while President Masoud Pezeshkian urged restraint in handling demonstrators. Khamenei, however, vowed not to surrender to “enemies,” blaming foreign interference.
US President Donald Trump has warned of potential action if violence escalates, prompting Iranian threats of retaliation.
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