Iran’s ruling elite weigh Russia refuge as talks stall, Assad-style exit eyed

As U.S.-Iran negotiations falter, a Middle East expert warns Tehran’s top leaders could seek asylum in Russia in a Bashar al-Assad–style escape to preserve influence, with senior figures potentially moving to Moscow and lower-ranking operatives aiming for Iraq or Afghanistan, amid ongoing regime fragility after Ayatollah Khamenei’s death and widening regional tensions.