“Report: Senior Iranian officials acknowledge Iran had been thrust into survival mode amid protests and military threats,” I24, 1-4-26.  “Last week, Pezeshkian held two emergency meetings with his economic advisory committee, asking for guidance and written talking points if the crises deepen, two officials familiar with the meetings told the outlet. Some advisers reportedly suggested that the president emphasize Iran’s dual-power structure, noting that key decisions are made by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.”  The president will be in hot water for criticizing the Leader, which is in essence what happens when you identify him as responsible for decisions.

Syria’s former president is in Moscow, too.  But do consider this–a first story, ever, of a Supreme Leader abandoning his post.  Would this mean the end of the Islamic Republic of Iran?  See “Ayatollah Khamenei plans to flee to Moscow if Iran unrest intensifies,” The Times, 1-4-26.  BTW, Assad could not deliver many assets to Putin; Khamenei controls, at least for the moment, more than $100 billion through Setad.

“When Khamenei speaks, Iran’s crackdown on protests hardens – analysis,” JPost, 1-4-26.