Ayatollah to 'flee to Russia' if security forces crumble

Intelligence sources claim Iran's supreme leader will escape with 20 aides and family if protests in the country swell

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Iran’s supreme leader has a plan to flee the country for Russia if ongoing protests in the country overwhelm his security forces, according to a report.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei will escape Tehran with up to 20 aides and family if it becomes clear that the army and security forces tasked with suppressing the demonstrations are defecting or failing to follow orders, an intelligence source told The Times.

“The ‘plan B’ is for Khamenei and his very close circle of associates and family, including his son and nominated heir apparent, Mojtaba,” the source said.

At least 17 people have died in the protests up to yesterday, according to human rights groups. They have largely focused on the collapse of the country’s currency, with some demonstrators calling for the overthrow of the Ayatollah.