As intense protests continue to grip Iran, the internet is flooded with speculations over whether Iranian Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei will flee to Russia. US’ recent military action on Venezuela has also fanned the possibility of such an occurrence, dubbed as Khamenei’s ‘Plan B’, with several reports claiming that he may flee with 20 of his close family members and associates to escape Trump’s wrath.
What has Iran said?
Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, has categorically rejected allegations against Khamenei, emphasising the leader’s steadfast support for Iranian people and security forces amid recent media claims about the “Plan B” exit strategy.
In a statement on his X, Ambassador Moghadam said, “Once again, the propaganda machinery of the despicable enemy has been activated, spreading fake and fabricated news and making absurd claims regarding the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
He added that these disinformation campaigns are a desperate attempt to cover up failures during the recent twelve-day war, which the enemy could not conceal.
“Iranian soldiers and commanders stood courageously on the sacred soil of their beloved homeland,” Moghadam said, praising their bravery and sacrifices.
“The Supreme Leader stands shoulder to shoulder with the resilient people and vigilant security forces of the nation,” the ambassador said. He noted that Iran’s armed forces defended the homeland with honour and dignity during the recent conflict.
What’s happening in Iran?
At least 35 people have been killed and more than 1,200 detained in protests across Iran that began in late December over a deepening economic crisis, soaring inflation, a collapsing Rial, government corruption and widening inequality, with demonstrations spreading to dozens of Iranian cities in over two dozen provinces and drawing broader calls for political change.
US President Donald Trump has warned Tehran that Washington is “locked and loaded” and could “hit Iran very hard” if Iranian security forces continue to violently suppress peaceful protesters, comments that have prompted angry responses from Iranian officials who say US interference would destabilise the region, according to Associated Press.
What is Iran doing to curb the dissent?
To ease the ongoing economic crisis in the country, the Iranian government has rolled out monthly allowances to its citizens to about $7. The announcement was reported to have been made on Monday by the government spokesperson, Fatemeh Mohajerani, on Iranian State TV.
She said the measure was aimed at “preserving households’ purchasing power, controlling inflation and ensuring food security,” per The New York Times.