Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is reportedly preparing to flee to Moscow if his security forces falter or turn against him amid nationwide protests demanding his death.
An intelligence source told The Times that Khamenei, 86, would leave with around 20 aides and family members if Iran’s army is overwhelmed by demonstrators or if security personnel defect. His son and “nominated heir apparent” would also be part of the planned escape.
Khamenei’s strategy reportedly mirrors that of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who fled Damascus with his family to Moscow in December 2024 as opposition forces stormed the capital. “They have plotted an exit route out of Tehran should they feel the need to escape,” the source said, including securing assets, overseas properties, and cash to facilitate safe passage.
The source added that Khamenei has developed a close relationship with Russia, admiring President Vladimir Putin. Tehran has supported Moscow with weapons supplies and assisted in building an unmanned aerial systems (UAS) factory. In early 2025, the two countries signed a 20-year strategic partnership treaty aimed at increasing defense cooperation and countering “unilateral coercive measures.” Russia clarified that the treaty does not obligate it to support Iran militarily.
At least 19 people have died in the protests, which have spread to 22 of Iran’s 31 provinces. Demonstrators frequently chant “Death to Khamenei,” though the Ayatollah has dismissed their threats, vowing to put them “in their place.”
The unrest coincides with Iran’s worst drought in decades, leaving more than 10 million people in Tehran without regular water service, and an unprecedented economic collapse that has driven the exchange rate to 42,125 rials per US dollar.
President Trump warned that the United States would intervene “if Iran shoots and violently kills peaceful protesters,” criticizing the regime’s disregard for human life as “their custom.” In response, Iranian authorities said they would consider US troops “legitimate targets” if intervention occurred.