Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is reportedly planning an escape to Russia in the event of a security crisis. The plan involves traveling with his inner circle, including around 20 aides and family members, via private plane.
The move mirrors that of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who fled Damascus by air and landed in Moscow with his family during a period of intense opposition protests. Khamenei's escape route includes gathering assets abroad, properties, and cash to ensure safe passage.
Iran and Russia have strengthened ties over the past few years, particularly since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Ayatollah Khamenei is said to admire Vladimir Putin, with Tehran providing Russia with various military equipment, including an unmanned aerial system (AUS) factory.
In early 2025, Iran and Russia signed a 20-year strategic partnership treaty aimed at increasing defense cooperation and countering unilateral coercive measures. The treaty does not include an obligation for Iran to support Russian military operations.
Protests across the Islamic Republic have become increasingly violent, with over 19 people killed in recent demonstrations that have spread to 22 of the country's 31 provinces. Demonstrators have chanted "Death to Khamenei," but the Ayatollah initially dismissed their protests and vowed to take action against them.
The unrest is part of a broader crisis facing Iran, which is struggling with its worst drought in decades and an unprecedented economic collapse, with the US dollar now equivalent to 42,125 Iranian rial.
The move mirrors that of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who fled Damascus by air and landed in Moscow with his family during a period of intense opposition protests. Khamenei's escape route includes gathering assets abroad, properties, and cash to ensure safe passage.
Iran and Russia have strengthened ties over the past few years, particularly since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Ayatollah Khamenei is said to admire Vladimir Putin, with Tehran providing Russia with various military equipment, including an unmanned aerial system (AUS) factory.
In early 2025, Iran and Russia signed a 20-year strategic partnership treaty aimed at increasing defense cooperation and countering unilateral coercive measures. The treaty does not include an obligation for Iran to support Russian military operations.
Protests across the Islamic Republic have become increasingly violent, with over 19 people killed in recent demonstrations that have spread to 22 of the country's 31 provinces. Demonstrators have chanted "Death to Khamenei," but the Ayatollah initially dismissed their protests and vowed to take action against them.
The unrest is part of a broader crisis facing Iran, which is struggling with its worst drought in decades and an unprecedented economic collapse, with the US dollar now equivalent to 42,125 Iranian rial.
ayatollah khamenei planning to escape to russia?? like what's next?! 
he's already got a whole inner circle and family members coming with him, that's just crazy! 
i'm literally shook, what if they get caught tho? 
the fact that russia and iran are so tight, especially since putin is his idol, is wild. like, they signed this major 20-year treaty for defense cooperation... 
but at the same time, protests in iran are getting more intense by the day. 
hope everything works out okay for ayatollah khamenei's little getaway 
I mean, I get it, security crises can be intense, but I guess when you're as powerful as Khamenei, you've got options, right? 
Anyway, this Russia thing reminds me of when I used to travel to Europe for summer holidays and had to do a ton of paperwork just to enter the country... fast forward to today and I'm pretty sure I'd be stuck in customs forever if I tried something like that now! 
i mean, ayatollah khamenei planning a escape to russia sounds super suspicious but at the same time makes sense given the current situation there - protests everywhere and it's getting really violent 
it's like, how are they even supposed to live right now? 42k iranian rial per dollar is just wild 
& yeah Iran & Russia do have a pretty strong bond going on 
its not hard to see why tho - both countries seem to be fighting against the same "western" powers 
i'm kinda curious how this whole situation will play out though...
i feel so bad for the people. and with the economy going down the drain... it's like, what's next? 
and at least 19 fatalities 
just in the past month alone! 
meanwhile, ayatollah khamenei's approval ratings have dropped to a record low of 12% 
down from 80% just a year ago 
️ i wonder how many ppl will have to pay the price 
and they're all gonna fly private 
meanwhile, russia is getting a sweet deal 
what's the rush? is this some kinda game of "I'm gonna escape before the protests get really crazy"? newsflash Iran you're already in crisis mode 
and who can blame him for wanting to escape the drama in Iran? 
that's some serious stuff. And with Russia's invasion of Ukraine still fresh, it's like they're trying to create a new axis of power 
and for Khamenei, it's all about survival 
! I mean, we all know Iran is struggling 
with the drought and economic mess, but who knew he was planning to bail 
? 20 aides and fam members are coming along for the ride, that's some extra baggage 
. And now they're signing up to a 20-year strategic partnership treaty 
! That's like, serious business 
with all these protests and whatnot... it's like, where is everyone going? 
. And Russia is happy to have them as friends - who wouldn't want Ayatollah Khamenei in their corner? 
The strategic partnership treaty between Iran and Russia sounds like a win-win, but let's not forget what's really going on here... both countries are trying to keep an eye on each other. I mean, Russia doesn't want another unstable country like Syria on its doorstep 
.
Khamenei's escape plan is just another indication that his grip on Iran is slipping 
And honestly, who needs a 20-year strategic partnership when you can't even keep your own people safe? 
.
. And Russia isn't exactly the safest haven either 
. Gathering assets abroad and all that jazz. Maybe this is just what Iran needs - a good excuse to re-evaluate its relationships with other countries 
first of all can u imagine flying private plane with 20 aides and fam members lol they must be getting some serious cash 
but honestly tho what's going on with iran's economy? 42k iranian rial per dollar is like wut