Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is said to have a plan to flee the country if security forces fail to quell protests or no longer obey his orders, according to an intelligence report cited by The Times.
The report said the 86-year-old Khamenei is planning to leave Tehran with a close circle of up to 20 people, including his son Mojtaba Khamenei, who is seen as a potential successor. The plan would be activated if the military and security forces are found to be deserting or refusing to carry out orders.
A former Israeli intelligence official said the most likely escape destination would be Moscow, noting that Khamenei maintains close relations with Russia and expresses admiration for Vladimir Putin. The plan, according to the same sources, is based on the precedent of the escape of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
The publication also reports that Khamenei has assets worth tens of billions of dollars through organizations controlled by him, while several members of his inner circle have relatives already living abroad.
The information comes as mass demonstrations are taking place in many cities in Iran, including the religious city of Qom, due to the economic crisis. Protesters denounce violent repression by security forces, which are under the direct control of the supreme leader, at a time when Khamenei's absence from the public scene has raised strong questions within the country.
