(TEHRAN, IRAN) – Protests and unrest have continued in Iran this week amid reports that the country’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has a contingency plan to travel to Moscow if opposition to his rule intensifies. The protests, which began at the end of December 2025, have spread to many cities and reflect growing economic and political dissatisfaction inside the country.
Rights groups and monitoring organisations report that demonstrations have occurred in more than 170 locations across the country, with participants taking to the streets to express grievances over economic conditions and political issues. Security forces have responded with measures including crowd control actions and arrests. At least 20 people, including protesters and members of security forces, have been reported killed in clashes since demonstrations began.
The unrest started on 28 December 2025 with a strike by shopkeepers in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar in protest against high prices and declining living standards. Since then, strikes and demonstrations have spread to other cities, including Shiraz, Isfahan and Mashhad, with a broadening of political demands among participants.
According to a report by The Times, intelligence sources indicate that Mr Khamenei has considered an escape plan to Moscow that would involve a small group of aides and family members should security forces prove unable to quell protests or if defections occur among those forces. Russia has been suggested as a potential destination due to existing diplomatic ties and past cooperation, though neither the Iranian government nor Russian authorities has publicly confirmed such plans.
Iranian authorities have sought to characterise the demonstrations as unlawful unrest and have vowed to take firm action against what they describe as “rioters”. The head of the country’s judiciary stated that security forces will act within the law to address protests, emphasizing a hardline response to those involved.
International rights organisations and news agencies have documented significant protest activity in multiple provinces, with people marching, striking and calling for political change. Reports indicate that slogans critical of the government and its leadership have been chanted by participants in Tehran and elsewhere.
The continuing unrest has drawn international attention, with diplomatic and rights groups urging restraint by Iranian security forces and respect for freedom of assembly. A European External Action Service spokeswoman noted concerns over reports of violence and restrictions on civil liberties.
Protests reflect broader pressures facing Iran, including ongoing economic challenges and public frustration with governance. While details on any plans by senior leaders to leave the country remain unconfirmed, recent air traffic data has prompted speculation about unusual movements of cargo aircraft in and out of Tehran, though there is no official explanation linking these movements directly to leadership escape plans.
Simple snapshot of current dynamics
| Aspect | Current Situation |
|---|---|
| Protest Spread | Reported in 170+ locations across Iran |
| Security Response | Forceful actions and arrests recorded |
| Reported Casualties | At least 20 killed, others wounded |
| Leadership Plans | Unconfirmed reports of potential escape plan |
| International Reaction | Calls for restraint and rights protection |
The situation in Iran remains unsettled, with protests showing no sign of abating in the immediate term and political uncertainty persisting in Tehran and other urban areas.