Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei might consider leaving the Islamic Republic amidst escalating protests across the nation. Following threats from U.S. President Donald Trump, reports suggest he has devised an 'escape plan.' Should the protests intensify, Khamenei is likely to seek refuge in Russia, according to the British newspaper The Times, which reported this on Sunday.
According to the British report, Khamenei's plan has been labeled 'Plan B,' arranging for the safe departure of the 86-year-old leader along with roughly 20 close associates, including family members.
The report states that this plan also outlines the path to relocate Khamenei's extensive asset network abroad.
The Times referenced a 2013 Reuters investigation, estimating these assets' worth at approximately $95 billion. This includes the 'Setad' organization, counted among Iran's most powerful entities, and a network of semi-state-operated charitable foundations linked to Ayatollah, which have been questioned for financial transparency repeatedly over the years.
Citing intelligence sources, The Times noted that 'Plan B' was meticulously prepared for Ayatollah Khamenei, his trusted allies, and family members, including his son and nominated successor, Mojtaba Khamenei.
Former Israeli intelligence officer Beni Saabati remarked in the report that Khamenei would head to Russia as 'there's nowhere else to go.'
The report further notes that Khamenei has long expressed admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin and believes Iranian culture closely aligns with Russian culture.
This alleged plan of Khamenei's bears a resemblance to the escape model of Syria's former dictator Bashar al-Assad. Assad fled to Moscow in November 2024 after his government collapsed.
