Ali Hosseini Khamenei is the Supreme Leader of Iran, the highest authority in the country since 1989. He holds more power than the president, parliament, judiciary, or military. His decisions shape Iran’s economy, foreign policy, and nuclear program. Understanding Khamenei is key to making sense of Iran today.
Who Is Ali Khamenei?
Ali Khamenei is the Supreme Leader of Iran, the most powerful person in the country since 1989. He is in charge of the military, courts, elections, media, and even the president. His decisions affect millions in Iran—and around the world.
He was born on April 19, 1939, in Mashhad, Iran. His father was a religious teacher. Khamenei studied Islam and became close to Ayatollah Khomeini, the leader of the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
His Path to Power
In the 1970s, Khamenei helped lead protests against the Shah (Iran’s king). After the Islamic Revolution in 1979, the Shah left Iran, and Khomeini took over. Khamenei became an important religious and political figure.
In 1981, after surviving a bomb attack, he became Iran’s President. He served two terms until 1989, during the Iran–Iraq War.
When Khomeini died in 1989, Khamenei was chosen to be the next Supreme Leader—even though he was not the top religious scholar at the time. Iran changed the law to allow it.
What Does the Supreme Leader Do?
Khamenei has more power than anyone else in Iran. He controls:
- The military (including the powerful IRGC)
- The judges and courts
- The media
- Who can run in elections
- Iran’s nuclear policy
- Decisions on war, peace, and foreign affairs
Even though Iran has a president and parliament, Khamenei makes the final call.
His Beliefs and Politics
Khamenei believes Iran should be independent from the West, especially from the United States and Israel. He often speaks against them and blames them for Iran’s problems.
He supports a “Resistance Economy” – trying to make Iran stronger without foreign help.
Khamenei also supports groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza, which are enemies of Israel.
Iran’s Nuclear Issue
For years, Iran has been building a nuclear program. The West worries Iran might make a bomb, but Iran says it only wants peaceful energy.
In 2015, Iran signed the nuclear deal (JCPOA) with world powers. Khamenei supported it but was suspicious of the U.S.
In 2018, U.S. President Trump left the deal. Khamenei responded by increasing nuclear activity.
In 2025, tensions grew again. Israel bombed Iran’s nuclear sites. Iran struck back with missiles. Khamenei went into a bunker for safety but remains in charge. Some Israeli leaders wanted to kill him, but the U.S. said no.
What Happens After Khamenei?
Khamenei is now 86 years old. Many wonder what will happen when he dies. There is no official plan, but a group called the Assembly of Experts will choose the next leader.
Some people think his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, could take over. Others think another high-ranking cleric might be chosen.
No matter who it is, Iran’s future could change a lot.
Why He Matters Globally
Ali Khamenei is one of the most important leaders in the Middle East. His power has a big effect on global peace and conflict. He plays a key role in decisions about war and peace in the region, especially when it comes to Iran’s actions toward countries like Israel, the United States, and Saudi Arabia. What Khamenei decides can also change oil prices, which affects the world economy. He is deeply involved in Iran’s nuclear plans, and his approval is necessary for any deal with Western countries. He also supports armed groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza, which are often in conflict with Israel and the West. Even though he doesn’t speak in public often and rarely gives interviews, the choices he makes are powerful and have global impact.
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