Khamenei Prepares Escape to Russia Amid Deadly Iran Protests: Intelligence Report

The iron grip of Iran's theocratic regime teeters on the brink as its aging supreme leader secretly prepares a cowardly exodus, echoing the humiliating flight of his fallen ally in Damascus—while furious citizens flood the streets demanding his downfall amid economic ruin and environmental catastrophe.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has prepared a contingency plan to flee to Moscow with his inner circle if security forces falter or defect amid nationwide protests fueled by economic collapse and severe drought, according to intelligence sources cited by The Times of London.

The 86-year-old Khamenei would depart Tehran by plane with approximately 20 close aides and family members, including his son and presumed successor Mojtaba Khamenei, the sources said.

The plan mirrors the December 2024 escape of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who fled to Russia as rebels overran Damascus.

"They have plotted an exit route out of Tehran should they feel the need to escape," one intelligence source told The Times, adding that preparations include "gathering assets, properties abroad and cash to facilitate their safe passage."

Khamenei "admires Putin," the source noted, pointing to deepening Iran-Russia ties.

Tehran has supplied Moscow with drones and missiles since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, and the two nations signed a 20-year strategic partnership treaty in early 2025, enhancing defense and economic cooperation. The deal, however, includes no mutual military obligation.

Protests erupted in late December 2025 over skyrocketing inflation, a plunging rial, trading at record lows, and chronic water shortages affecting millions, including in Tehran.

Demonstrations have spread to more than 20 of Iran's 31 provinces, with crowds chanting "Death to Khamenei" and other anti-regime slogans.

At least 17 protesters have died in clashes with security forces, according to rights groups, though Khamenei initially dismissed the unrest and vowed to put demonstrators "in their place."

President Donald Trump warned that the United States would intervene "if Iran shoots and violently kills peaceful protesters," calling such actions "their custom."

Iranian officials retorted that any U.S. involvement would make American troops "legitimate targets."

As the Islamic Republic enters survival mode, with its currency in freefall and reservoirs near empty after years of drought and mismanagement, Khamenei's reported flight preparations expose the regime's fragility—one false move by loyalists, and the ayatollah's reign could end not in triumph, but in exile alongside other deposed despots.