US media, citing the Central Intelligence Agency's report, published news about Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei fleeing to Moscow.
The Central Intelligence Agency deliberately spread this news. The goal is to ensure the expansion of the wave of protests in Iran and to create disagreements among conservatives. Because this news will become a topic of discussion in Iran. However, the conservatives and their leadership still prioritize suppressing the unrest with armed force rather than fleeing.
If this does not succeed and the conservatives lose control of the situation, then the scenario of the Supreme Leader actually fleeing will come into effect. In that case, there are not many alternatives for the Supreme Leader.
The late Khomeini led the struggle against the Shah from near Paris. At that time, in Europe and France, it was believed that Khomeini would establish a normal government instead of the Shah's regime. Those hopes were dashed.
Europe will not be deceived this time; Western countries have understood what the mullah regime has been capable of since 1979. Therefore, countries willing to accept the Supreme Leader may be limited to Russia and China.
Bashar al-Assad chose Russia; the Supreme Leader would also prioritize his friend's choice. However, Iran has not yet reached that stage.
Elkhan Shahinoglu,
political analyst
