A senior British lawmaker has sparked serious concerns by questioning whether Iran's leadership is secretly preparing for a potential collapse of the regime. The remarks come as nationwide protests, triggered by a severe economic crisis, enter a dangerous new phase.
Contingency Plans and Cargo Flights
In a dramatic session of the UK's House of Commons, Conservative Member of Parliament Tom Tugendhat presented startling intelligence. He cited reports of Russian cargo aircraft landing in Tehran, which he suggested were likely carrying weapons and ammunition. More intriguingly, he revealed accounts of large quantities of gold leaving Iran.
Tugendhat directly asked the British government if this information indicated that Tehran's rulers were making detailed contingency plans, possibly "for life after the fall." His intervention highlights growing international scrutiny of the Iranian government's stability.
Protests Turn Deadly Amid Economic Meltdown
The political speculation unfolds against a backdrop of intense domestic unrest. Protests initially erupted in late December after a shutdown of Tehran's historic bazaar, sparked by a sharp economic downturn and the plunge of the Iranian rial to record lows. The demonstrations have since spread across the country and have now continued for twelve consecutive days.
The crackdown by authorities has been severe. According to the Norway-based Iran Human Rights group, at least 45 protesters, including eight minors, have been killed. Hundreds more are wounded, and over 2,000 people have been arrested. The group identified a recent Wednesday as the deadliest single day, with 13 confirmed deaths, warning that the state's use of force is becoming "more violent and more extensive."
Iranian officials have acknowledged at least 21 deaths, including security force members, blaming the chaos on "rioters." The judiciary chief has promised "no leniency," and state media reported a police officer was stabbed to death west of Tehran.
Elite Seeking Exits and Regional Tensions
Adding credence to theories of elite anxiety, a report from France's Le Figaro newspaper claimed that senior Iranian officials have recently sought French visas for their families. The report, quoting Iranian-French journalist Emmanuel Razavi, stated that high-ranking figures, including the speaker of parliament, attempted to secure these visas through a lawyer based in Paris.
This internal turmoil is set within a highly volatile regional context. Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, stated that Tehran does not seek war with Israel or the United States but is prepared to respond if attacked. He left the door open for nuclear negotiations based on "mutual respect." Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump's "maximum pressure" campaign continues, with warnings of further strikes if Iran rebuilds its nuclear programme.
The combination of deadly protests, economic collapse, and reports of elite preparation for flight paints a picture of a regime under unprecedented pressure, with the world watching closely for its next move.
