A senior British lawmaker has sparked serious questions about whether Iran's ruling establishment is secretly preparing for a potential collapse, as nationwide protests and a severe economic crisis continue to grip the country.
MP's Alarming Claims in Parliament
Conservative Member of Parliament Tom Tugendhat raised the issue directly in the House of Commons. He presented reports of Russian cargo aircraft frequently landing in Tehran and of large quantities of gold being moved out of Iran. Tugendhat suggested these activities could indicate the leadership is making contingency plans, or preparations "for life after the fall."
"We’re also seeing Russian cargo aircraft coming and landing in Tehran, presumably carrying weapons and ammunition, and we’re hearing reports of large amounts of gold leaving Iran," the MP stated. He urged the UK government to clarify if such intelligence points to the regime safeguarding its assets and planning for an uncertain future.
Protests Turn Deadly Amid Economic Meltdown
The political scrutiny in London comes as protests have entered their twelfth consecutive day, spreading from Tehran's Grand Bazaar in late December to cities across Iran. The unrest is fueled by a sharp economic downturn and the record-breaking plunge of the Iranian rial.
The crackdown by authorities has turned increasingly violent. 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 state force is becoming "more violent and more extensive."
Iranian officials have acknowledged at least 21 deaths, which they say include security force members. They continue to blame "rioters" for the chaos. The judiciary chief has promised "no leniency," and state media reported a police officer was stabbed to death west of Tehran during unrest control operations.
Elite Seek Exit Routes as Regional Tensions Simmer
Adding to the narrative of a nervous elite, French newspaper Le Figaro reported that senior Iranian officials have recently sought French visas for their families. The paper quoted Iranian-French journalist Emmanuel Razavi, who claimed that high-ranking figures, including the parliament speaker, attempted to secure these visas through a lawyer based in Paris.
This internal turmoil unfolds against a highly volatile regional backdrop. 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 again. He reiterated openness to nuclear negotiations based on "mutual respect," even as US President Donald Trump's "maximum pressure" campaign continues with threats of further strikes if Iran rebuilds its nuclear program.
The convergence of massive public protests, a fleeing economy, and potential elite preparation for an exit paints a picture of a regime under unprecedented pressure, with the world watching closely to see if this marks a critical turning point for the Islamic Republic.
