Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, may seek refuge in Moscow with Russian President Vladimir Putin if the ongoing national unrest threatens his safety, according to a source. The protests sweeping through Iran stem from economic hardships, including currency devaluation, inflation, and escalating food prices, which could potentially undermine the Ayatollah’s rule.
Intelligence reports indicate that Ayatollah Khamenei, aged 86 and in power since 1989, has a contingency plan to flee with around 20 close associates, including family members and aides, should his security detail falter in the face of mounting protests. This “plan B” involves relocating to Moscow, where he would be welcomed by Putin, whom he admires, and where Iranian culture finds similarities with Russian culture.
The plan also involves transferring Iranian assets and cash to Russia as a precautionary measure. This exit strategy mirrors the actions of Syria’s former leader Bashar Al-Assad in 2024 when he sought refuge in Russia with substantial assets after losing control of his country to rebels.
Ayatollah Khamenei has faced allegations of misusing charitable organizations to embezzle assets, leading to sanctions by the US Treasury Department in 2021 against two Iranian entities. These organizations were found to control significant portions of Iran’s economy, benefiting the supreme leader and other government officials. The US vowed to continue targeting those exploiting the system for personal gain under the guise of helping the Iranian populace.