Iran’s Ayatollah Ali Khamenei reportedly plans to escape to Moscow if his security team falters or turns on him amid ongoing unrest in his country featuring protesters chanting for his death.

The claims come amid a wave of protests across Iran, triggered by economic hardship and reported in cities nationwide, including Qom, World News, Times Now

Intelligence sources claim Tehran’s supreme leader will flee with up to 20 aides and family if protests escalate

That posture was on display this week when Iran announced that three of its domestically designed satellites were launched into orbit aboard a Russian rocket. The launch was broadcast by Iran’s Arabic-language state television channel Al-Alam News Network, which aired footage showing the satellites lifting off from Russian territory.

The US is tracking an oil tanker linked to Venezuela, Russia and Iran off the coast of Britain, as Washington builds up military assets in the UK. The Marinera oil tanker, which the US Coast Guard attempted to seize near Venezuela in December, is now in the mid-Atlantic and appears to be sailing to Russia.

Iran said it sent three satellites into orbit from Russia on Sunday, a move that may intensify tensions over Tehran’s broader actions.

The development deepens the confrontation over the tanker formerly known as the Bella 1, which the United States wants to seize but which Russia has sought to protect.

By bnm Tehran bureau Russia has said it is open to supplying water to Iran if a formal request is made, highlighting growing concerns over water security in the country amid climate change and prolonged drought.