According to a source, there is speculation that Iran’s Ayatollah could seek refuge with Vladimir Putin if the ongoing national unrest threatens his safety. Protests have flared up in Iran, starting in Tehran late last year due to the rapid devaluation of the rial against major currencies. These demonstrations have been fueled by frustrations over escalating inflation and food prices, posing a significant challenge to the Ayatollah’s rule.
Amid escalating tensions, an intelligence insider disclosed that the Ayatollah’s fate hinges on the loyalty of his closest protectors. Should they fail to shield him or switch sides, the Ayatollah may consider fleeing with his inner circle, comprising approximately 20 individuals, including family members and aides, with his son and designated successor in tow.
Reportedly, the contingency plan, dubbed “plan B,” involves relocating the Ayatollah and his inner circle to Moscow if their defenses crumble under mounting pressure from protestors. This strategy mirrors the escape route taken by Bashar Al-Assad of Syria when rebels seized power in 2024, with Israeli intelligence expert Beni Sabti suggesting that Putin’s Russia would be the Ayatollah’s likely destination.
Describing the Ayatollah’s close ties to Putin and the cultural similarities between Iran and Russia, the source highlighted that the regime has devised an exit strategy to transfer assets and funds to Russia in case of a critical situation. This plan mirrors Assad’s actions, who shifted Syrian assets to Russia following his escape in 2024.
Accusations have long been leveled against the Ayatollah for using supposed charitable organizations to embezzle assets from Iranians. The US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctioned two such entities in 2021, alleging that they controlled significant portions of Iran’s economy, including assets confiscated from dissidents and minorities, to benefit Khamenei and other top officials.
Secretary Steven Mnuchin condemned these practices, stating, “These institutions enable Iran’s elite to sustain a corrupt system of ownership over large parts of Iran’s economy.” The US authorities emphasized their commitment to targeting those who exploit charitable fronts for personal enrichment under the guise of aiding the Iranian populace.