The British newspaper The Times revealed that Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has prepared a contingency plan to leave the country in case unrest escalates.
According to The Times, Khamenei plans to flee to Moscow if unrest intensifies in Iran, having "developed a plan to exit Tehran if his forces fail to suppress the opposition."
The newspaper cited an intelligence report it reviewed, stating that the 86-year-old Khamenei "plans to escape Tehran accompanied by a close circle of up to 20 aides and family members if he sees the army or security forces tasked with suppressing unrest defect, abandon their duties, or fail to follow orders."
An intelligence source told the newspaper that "the contingency plan is intended for Khamenei, his close circle, and family members, including his son and potential heir, Mojtaba."
Neither Iran nor Russia has officially commented on the report.
The scenario, according to the newspaper, is modeled on the experience of his ally, former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who fled Damascus to Moscow at the end of 2024 before opposition forces took control of the capital in December.
The source said: "They have devised a plan to leave Tehran if they feel the need to escape,’ which includes ‘gathering overseas assets, properties, and cash to facilitate their safe passage."
The newspaper noted that "Khamenei possesses an extensive network of assets, some under the umbrella of 'Setad,' one of the most powerful institutions in Iran, part of a semi-governmental network of charitable organizations known for financial secrecy."
Estimates, according to a 2013 Reuters investigation, indicate that the total value of these assets is $95 billion, including real estate and companies, all owned and controlled by Khamenei.
According to The Times, Khamenei plans to flee to Moscow if unrest intensifies in Iran, having "developed a plan to exit Tehran if his forces fail to suppress the opposition."
The newspaper cited an intelligence report it reviewed, stating that the 86-year-old Khamenei "plans to escape Tehran accompanied by a close circle of up to 20 aides and family members if he sees the army or security forces tasked with suppressing unrest defect, abandon their duties, or fail to follow orders."
An intelligence source told the newspaper that "the contingency plan is intended for Khamenei, his close circle, and family members, including his son and potential heir, Mojtaba."
Neither Iran nor Russia has officially commented on the report.
The scenario, according to the newspaper, is modeled on the experience of his ally, former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who fled Damascus to Moscow at the end of 2024 before opposition forces took control of the capital in December.
The source said: "They have devised a plan to leave Tehran if they feel the need to escape,’ which includes ‘gathering overseas assets, properties, and cash to facilitate their safe passage."
The newspaper noted that "Khamenei possesses an extensive network of assets, some under the umbrella of 'Setad,' one of the most powerful institutions in Iran, part of a semi-governmental network of charitable organizations known for financial secrecy."
Estimates, according to a 2013 Reuters investigation, indicate that the total value of these assets is $95 billion, including real estate and companies, all owned and controlled by Khamenei.
