Trump Says Iran’s Khamenei May Flee as Protests Engulf Country
Trump hints Supreme Leader may flee amid explosive nationwide protests.
United States President Donald Trump escalated his rhetoric against Iran's theocratic regime on Friday, January 9, 2026, implying that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is actively considering flight options as massive anti-government protests sweep across all 31 provinces, describing the internal situation as "getting very bad" with potential evacuation plans in place.
During interviews with Fox News host Sean Hannity and radio personality Hugh Hewitt, Trump reiterated stark warnings that the US would strike Iran "very hard" if security forces continue killing protesters, praising Iranians as "brave people" while pledging American readiness to intervene, stating authorities have been informed that further violence would result in severe consequences.
Reports from intelligence sources and opposition networks suggest Khamenei has prepared a contingency plan involving around 20 close aides and family members, potentially heading to allies like Russia if the regime's grip weakens further, amid growing defections and challenges to security forces in hotspots such as Ilam, Lorestan, and Kurdish regions.
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The unrest, initially sparked by economic collapse with December 2025 inflation hitting 42.2 percent and the rial plummeting to record lows, has transformed into direct calls for regime change, amplified by exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi's coordinated appeals for synchronized demonstrations that drew millions chanting "Death to Khamenei" and toppling regime symbols on Thursday and Friday evenings.
As Iranian authorities imposed a nationwide internet and telephone blackout to disrupt organization, human rights groups reported at least 42-45 deaths, including children, and over 2,200 arrests since protests began on December 28, with clashes intensifying despite Trump's threats and Senator Lindsey Graham's earlier warning that continued killings could lead to targeted action against Khamenei himself.
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