Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, might seek refuge in Moscow with Russian President Vladimir Putin if the ongoing national unrest begins to threaten his inner circle, according to insider reports.
The country has been engulfed in protests that started in Tehran in late December, triggered by the sharp devaluation of the rial against major currencies like the dollar. The discontent has been fueled by soaring inflation and escalating food prices, creating a potential crisis that could undermine the Ayatollah’s rule.
Sources indicate that the critical juncture for the Ayatollah’s safety is when his top protectors either fail to shield him or betray him, as Iranians continue to push beyond their limits.
In a contingency plan dubbed “plan B,” the 86-year-old Ayatollah, in power since 1989, would reportedly flee with about 20 members of his close circle, including family and aides, led by his son and chosen successor, Mojtaba, if the security situation deteriorates due to mounting protests.
Analysts compare the potential escape route to the fate of Syria’s former leader Bashar Al-Assad, who sought refuge in Russia in 2024 after losing control of his country to rebels. The close ties between Khamenei and Putin, along with cultural similarities between Iran and Russia, make Moscow the most likely sanctuary in such a scenario.
Reports suggest that the Iranian regime has strategized an exit plan to relocate assets and cash to Russia, preparing for a potential evacuation if deemed necessary. This move would mirror Assad’s actions, who shifted Syrian assets to Russia upon seeking asylum in 2024.
Notably, Ayatollah Khamenei has faced accusations of misusing charitable organizations to embezzle assets from the Iranian people, leading to sanctions by the US government in 2021. The sanctioned entities, Execution of Imam Khomeini’s Order (EIKO) and Astan Quds Razavi (AQR), were found to control significant portions of Iran’s economy, benefiting top officials including Khamenei.
The US Treasury Department condemned these organizations for enabling corruption within Iran’s elite class and pledged to target those exploiting the Iranian populace for personal gain.