Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has prepared a contingency plan to flee to Russia if nationwide protests escalate and security forces stop obeying orders.

Axar.az, citing Israel Hayom, reports that intelligence sources say the 86-year-old leader would leave Tehran with close family members, including his son Mojtaba, mirroring Syrian ex-president Bashar al-Assad’s escape to Moscow in 2024. The plan reportedly includes securing foreign assets and cash to facilitate an exit, according to the Sunday Times.

The report says growing economic hardship has triggered protests across Iran, met with force by the IRGC, Basij, and police. Intelligence assessments describe Khamenei as increasingly paranoid and physically weaker, especially after last year’s war with Israel, during which he allegedly hid in a bunker. While deeply ideological, he is portrayed as pragmatic and focused on survival, fearing defections within the security apparatus.

Public anger has intensified as Iran’s regional allies—Hamas, Hezbollah, and other militias—have been weakened, prompting criticism of spending abroad amid domestic inflation and unrest. Protesters have reportedly chanted slogans rejecting foreign entanglements and demanding a focus on Iran itself.