Archive · 7 Jan 2026
Khamenei has 'Plan B' to flee Tehran if unrest worsens
Iran's leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has a secret plan to leave Tehran if the protests in Iran get much worse.
He would take about 20 of his closest helpers and family members with him.
They might go to Russia because it's a safe place for leaders who are in trouble.
This plan is similar to how Syria's former leader, Bashar al-Assad, escaped to Moscow when he was in danger.
Right now, there are big protests in Iran because people are having a hard time with money.
The government is using many different groups to control the protests.
Khamenei is very important in Iran and relies on a strong military group called the IRGC.
He has not been seen much lately because he has been feeling sick since a war last year.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has a 'Plan B' to flee Tehran if nationwide unrest intensifies.
The plan involves Khamenei and up to 20 aides and family members, including his son Mojtaba.
Russia is seen as the most likely destination for Khamenei's escape.
The contingency plan is modeled after Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's escape to Moscow.
Current protests in Iran are driven by economic hardship and are being suppressed by multiple security forces.
- Who
- Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his inner circle
- What
- Contingency plan to flee Tehran if unrest worsens
- When
- Current unrest ongoing, plan reportedly in place
- Where
- Tehran, Iran, with Moscow as likely destination
- Why
- Fear of army or security services deserting or defecting
- Supreme Leader
- Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
- Likely Destination
- Russia
- Plan B Participants
- Khamenei, 20 aides, family members including son Mojtaba
- Model for Escape
- Bashar al-Assad's escape to Moscow
- Current Unrest Cause
- Economic hardship
- Security Forces Involved
- IRGC, Basij militia, police, army
- Khamenei's Health
- Weaker mentally and physically since 2023 war with Israel
