The claim originates from a recent article in The Times (UK), published around January 4-5, 2026, citing an unnamed intelligence report. It states that Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (often labeled in Western media as supporting groups designated as terrorists by the US and others), has a contingency plan to flee to Moscow with a small group of up to 20 close aides and family members if ongoing anti-government protests escalate and security forces (like the IRGC) fail to suppress them or begin deserting.Key details from the report and related coverage:Khamenei is described as "paranoid," influencing this backup plan.
Moscow is highlighted as the likely destination due to Iran's alliance with Russia, Khamenei's reported admiration for Putin, and precedents like Bashar al-Assad fleeing to Russia in late 2024 after his regime collapsed.
A former Israeli intelligence officer (Beni Sabti) is quoted saying Russia is "the only place" that would take him.
The plan remains restricted to a tight inner circle, with some regime assets already positioned abroad.
Tousi TV, a Persian-language opposition/exile channel critical of the Iranian regime, has prominently featured and amplified this story, including headlines and videos claiming Khamenei is preparing to flee or has even left Tehran amid protests. They posted on X (formerly Twitter) about the Times' intel confirming preparations for Moscow, declaring the "Islamic Republic is officially falling."This aligns with the current wave of protests in Iran (sparked by economic issues like inflation and currency collapse, spreading to over 200 locations as of early January 2026). However, the report is based on intelligence sources (potentially Western or Israeli-aligned), so it's unverified speculation rather than confirmed action. Khamenei has publicly vowed not to yield, and there's no evidence he's fled yet.Similar unconfirmed rumors circulated in mid-2025 during Israel-Iran tensions, but this appears tied to the latest unrest. Multiple outlets (e.g., Times of Israel, Iran International, Times Now) have repicked the story, representing a mix of Western, Israeli, and opposition perspectives. Iranian state media has not addressed it directly.
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