Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has reportedly prepared a contingency plan to leave Tehran if nationwide unrest escalates and his security forces fail to contain dissent. The information was published by The Times, citing an intelligence report.
The 86-year-old leader would depart with a close circle of about 20 aides and family members if he believed the army or security services were deserting, defecting, or refusing orders.
“The ‘plan B’ is for Khamenei and his very close circle of associates and family, including his son and nominated heir apparent, Mojtaba,” an intelligence source told The Times.
Former Israeli intelligence officer Beni Sabti said Russia was the most probable destination for Khamenei.
“There is no other place for him,” Sabti explained, noting that Moscow offers political protection and precedent for embattled allies.
The plan is reportedly modelled on the escape of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, who fled Damascus to Moscow in December 2024 as opposition forces advanced on the capital.
“They have plotted an exit route out of Tehran should they feel the need to escape,” the intelligence source added, saying preparations include “gathering assets, properties abroad and cash to facilitate their safe passage.”
Protests and Security Crackdown
The report comes amid protests across Iran driven by economic hardship. Demonstrators accuse security forces of using live fire, tear gas, and water cannons to suppress unrest.
The crackdown involves the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the Basij militia, police, and the army — all under Khamenei’s command.
Khamenei remains Iran’s supreme authority, overriding the army, judiciary, and media. He relies heavily on the IRGC as his main power base. Any signs of disobedience within the security forces would pose a serious threat to his rule.
A psychological profile of Khamenei by a Western intelligence agency, seen by The Times, said the leader has appeared “weaker, both mentally and physically” since last year’s 12-day war with Israel.
He has rarely appeared in public since and has not been seen during the latest wave of protests.
During the conflict with Israel, Khamenei reportedly spent long periods in a bunker to avoid assassination. The assessment described this behaviour as an “obsession with survival.”
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