Politis

Times: Khamenei Preparing Escape Plan to Moscow

Published January 5, 2026, 15:18
Times: Khamenei Preparing Escape Plan to Moscow

According to a report in the British newspaper The Times, Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has devised an escape plan to Russia amid escalating anti-government protests. The plan involves the removal of Khamenei, along with his close circle of associates and family, including his son Mojtaba, should security forces fail to suppress the demonstrations or abandon him. The protests in Iran began as demonstrations by merchants over economic hardship but have evolved into a broader opposition movement with slogans calling for the overthrow of the regime. At least 12 people have been killed in the clashes so far. The Iranian government has accused Israel of seeking to undermine national unity, while former US President Donald Trump threatened a “very hard” response if protesters are killed. The US and the UK are closely monitoring the situation in Iran. The choice of Russia as a potential escape destination is explained by the fact that Moscow has become a safe haven for ousted authoritarian leaders, such as Bashar al-Assad.