Khamenei's 'Plan B': Flee to Russia if Iran Protests Shatter Security Forces

• Ayatollah Ali Khamenei reportedly has a "Plan B" to flee Tehran to Russia if Iranian protests overwhelm security forces, according to The Times, citing an intelligence source.
• The contingency plan involves Khamenei, his son Mojtaba (nominated heir), and up to 20 aides/family members, with preparations for an exit route and assets.
• Russia is the chosen destination due to its strategic partnership with Iran and its historical role in offering political asylum to allies.
• Protests, fueled by economic distress and currency collapse, have led to casualties and increasingly feature direct anti-regime slogans.
• The regime's critical threshold is the defection or disobedience of its security forces, indicating a shift in the political center of gravity from streets to barracks.

Why It Matters: Khamenei's alleged 'Plan B' reveals Iran's regime fragility if security forces waver amid protests.