The Times: The Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has devised an escape plan in case protests in the country turn into insurgencies and his security forces desert.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, at the age of 86, intends to flee to Moscow, along with a small circle of collaborators and family members, including his son, Mojtaba. His plan is based on the experience of Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, who fled to Russia in 2024. Khamenei holds a vast network of assets, estimated at 95 billion dollars, which could facilitate his escape.

Recent protests, triggered by economic difficulties, have been violently suppressed by the security forces, which are under his command. Khamenei, described as "paranoid" and "physically and mentally weak," justifies his actions through a divine mission to lead Iran and oppose external influences. Protesters challenge investments in foreign forces, demanding improvements in internal living conditions.