Kathmandu. Exiled Iranian opposition figure Iman Foroutan has claimed that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei may soon flee the country, as Israel’s ongoing military offensive has significantly destabilized the Iranian regime. Foroutan, who has led the “New Iran Movement” for the past 15 years, believes a regime change is imminent.
Speaking to The Media Line, Foroutan said, “Iran is trembling under the weight of Israeli attacks, and people are celebrating across the country. They see this moment as a real opportunity for change.”
According to Wynet News, Foroutan noted that the Israeli airstrikes have inflicted severe damage on Iran’s military, economic, and nuclear infrastructure, and claimed several key figures have been killed. “Despite the destruction, the Iranian people are the happiest they’ve been in decades,” he added.
Foroutan also said many celebrities have already fled Iran and predicted that Khamenei may soon follow. He emphasized that for millions of Iranians, Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi—the exiled son of Iran’s last Shah—is seen as a symbol of leadership and hope.
“Pahlavi doesn’t need to become a king again. He has said repeatedly that once Iran is free, his role will be complete. It will then be up to the people to choose their future system through democratic elections—whether a parliamentary monarchy or a republic,” Foroutan explained.
The exiled leader also credited former U.S. President Donald Trump for offering Iran several chances for peaceful negotiation. “Trump doesn’t want war. He gave the Islamic Republic multiple opportunities to come to the negotiating table. But this time, the regime made a fatal mistake.”
Foroutan suggested that the Israeli military campaign may last at least another week and claimed that once it becomes clear that Iran has no military response left, Khamenei may choose to flee. He also asserted that several high-ranking Iranian officials have already escaped to Russia.
“This may be the beginning of the end of a 45-year-long dictatorship,” Foroutan declared.
