When even the so-called “Supreme Leader” is quietly pricing flights out of the country, you know things aren’t going exactly according to plan in Tehran.
According to a report, Iran’s Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is preparing an escape route to Russia if unrest inside Iran continues to spiral — or worse, if the very security forces meant to protect him decide they’ve had enough. The 86-year-old strongman reportedly plans to flee to Moscow with his inner circle, including about 20 aides and family members, should the regime’s grip finally slip. Yes, the revolution-exporting clerics may soon be importing suitcases.
His son, conveniently described as the “nominated heir apparent,” would also be on the getaway flight. Because nothing says “people’s revolution” like dynastic exit plans.
The strategy reportedly mirrors that of former Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad, who famously boarded a plane and landed safely in Moscow while chaos engulfed Damascus. History may not repeat itself, but authoritarian leaders fleeing to Russia certainly rhyme.
Sources say Khamenei’s camp has already mapped out exit routes, stashed assets, secured foreign properties, and stockpiled cash — all to ensure a smooth escape if protesters or defecting security forces overwhelm the regime. For leaders who never miss a chance to lecture the West about corruption, the irony is almost impressive.
Iran’s relationship with Russia has grown cozier since Moscow invaded Ukraine in 2022, with Khamenei reportedly admiring Vladimir Putin. Tehran has supplied weapons to Russia and even assisted with building a drone factory. Earlier this year, the two countries signed a 20-year “strategic partnership” promising deeper cooperation and joint resistance to sanctions — though Russia was careful to note it’s not obligated to defend Iran militarily. Friendship, yes. Blank check, no.
Meanwhile, reality on the ground in Iran is grim. Protests have erupted across 22 of the country’s 31 provinces, leaving at least 19 people dead. Crowds are openly chanting “Death to Khamenei,” a phrase the ayatollah initially dismissed while vowing to put protesters “in their place.” Confident words — from a man reportedly packing his bags.
The unrest comes as Iran faces its worst drought in decades, with more than 10 million residents of Tehran regularly deprived of water. Add an economic collapse — where one U.S. dollar now equals 42,125 Iranian rial — and you’ve got a pressure cooker that even decades of repression can’t easily contain.
President Donald Trump weighed in, warning that the United States would intervene if Iran violently kills peaceful protesters, noting that such behavior “is their custom.” The regime responded with predictable bluster, threatening to treat U.S. troops as “legitimate targets.” Tough talk again — but it sounds a little hollow when your exit plan is already drafted.
At the end of the day, nothing exposes a failing regime faster than a leader preparing his escape. And while Iran’s rulers cling to power, the Iranian people continue to show courage in the face of repression. History has a way of catching up with tyrants — and judging by Khamenei’s contingency plans, even he knows it.
