The Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, reportedly has a secret “escape plan” in case the current nationwide protests continue to escalate and threaten his grip on power. According to British newspaper The Times, the plan, referred to as “Plan B,” would see the 86-year-old leader fleeing to Russia along with about 20 of his closest associates. This group would include family members, trusted aides, and key figures within his inner circle.
Khamenei Prepares ‘Plan B’ Amid Rising Unrest
The report highlights that Khamenei’s escape plan is not just about leaving Iran. It would also involve securing a vast network of assets. A 2013 Reuters investigation, cited by The Times, estimated these holdings at around $95 billion. These assets include the Setad organization, one of Iran’s most powerful institutions, and several semi-state charitable foundations known for their complex financial operations.
Intelligence sources told The Times that Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba, who has been named his heir apparent, would be part of the escape plan. The operation would include around 20 close associates, including family members and trusted aides. Moving such a large network of wealth would require careful planning and coordination.
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Former Israeli intelligence official Beni Sabti said Russia is the only likely destination for Khamenei, noting, “there is no other place for him.” Khamenei has previously praised Russian President Vladimir Putin and remarked that Iranian culture shares similarities with Russian traditions. These ties may explain why Moscow is being considered as the probable safe haven.
Escape Plan Mirrors Assad’s Flight to Russia
Experts say that Khamenei’s so-called Plan B appears to follow a pattern similar to the escape route taken by former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Assad left Syria for Russia in November 2024 after his regime collapsed amid widespread conflict, leaving him to seek safety and stability abroad. His departure showed how a leader could maintain personal security while avoiding immediate political danger at home.
Sources close to Assad told The Guardian that he now lives a luxurious life in Moscow. He has reportedly focused on his long-time interest in ophthalmology, dedicating time to personal passions rather than political matters. The report suggests that he has adapted well to his new environment, enjoying a comfortable lifestyle among Moscow’s elite.
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A friend of the Assad family added, “He is studying Russian and brushing up on ophthalmology again. It’s a passion of his; he obviously doesn’t need the money.” This indicates that Assad has fully settled into his new life, combining both intellectual pursuits and social comfort, far removed from the instability of his former country.
If Khamenei were to follow a similar path, it would allow him and his inner circle to leave Iran quickly, ensuring their safety amid rising unrest. By fleeing to a friendly country like Russia, the Supreme Leader could protect his personal security while maintaining control over his extensive financial network, even if the protests continue to challenge his authority at home.
U.S. Signals Support for Protesters
As Iran experiences one of the largest protest movements in recent years, the United States continues its “maximum pressure” campaign against the Iranian government. U.S. officials have repeatedly warned that any further violence against demonstrators could trigger serious consequences.
On Sunday, the U.S. State Department’s Farsi-language account posted a photo of President Donald Trump with the message, “President Trump is a man of action. If you didn’t know, now you know.” Earlier in the day, Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that the United States would hit Iranian authorities hard if they killed protesters.
The U.S. State Department’s general account also posted a similar message featuring Trump alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. Analysts interpret these messages as a clear signal that the United States supports the Iranian people protesting against the regime and its violent crackdown.
The emergence of Khamenei’s Plan B highlights the serious nature of the unrest in Iran. As protests continue to grow and spread across the country, the world is watching closely. The situation underscores a period of deep uncertainty for Iran, with significant implications for both domestic stability and international relations.