Early Life and Religious Background
Born on July 17, 1939, in Mashhad, one of the holiest cities in Iran, Ali Khamenei was raised in a deeply religious family. His father, a respected cleric, ensured Khamenei received a traditional religious education. He later studied under prominent Shi’a scholars in Qom, including Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who would go on to lead the 1979 Iranian Revolution.
During his youth, Khamenei became politically active, opposing the rule of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. His activism led to multiple arrests and years of imprisonment and exile under the Shah’s regime.
Role in the 1979 Iranian Revolution
Khamenei was a key player in the Islamic Revolution of 1979, which overthrew the monarchy and established the Islamic Republic. A close disciple of Ayatollah Khomeini, he quickly rose in political prominence due to his loyalty and organizational skills.
After the revolution, Khamenei held several critical positions, including Deputy Minister of Defense, Supervisor of the Revolutionary Guards, and Friday Prayer Leader of Tehran — roles that positioned him as a bridge between the clerical establishment and the emerging security-military elite.
President of Iran (1981–1989)
Following the assassination of President Mohammad-Ali Rajai in 1981, Khamenei was elected as the third President of Iran. His presidency coincided with one of the most turbulent periods in Iran’s history: the Iran–Iraq War (1980–1988).
During his two terms (1981–1989), Khamenei focused on wartime leadership, national unity, and strengthening the Islamic regime. Though the Iranian presidency was less powerful at the time, Khamenei managed to consolidate political authority and built close relationships with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) — a connection that would later bolster his authority as Supreme Leader.
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After Ayatollah Khomeini's death in 1989, a major question loomed over the Islamic Republic: Who would succeed the charismatic founder? Despite not being a marja’ (the highest rank in Shi’a clerical hierarchy), Khamenei was chosen as Supreme Leader by the Assembly of Experts, largely due to his loyalty, revolutionary credentials, and broad network within the regime.
As Supreme Leader, Khamenei holds ultimate authority over all branches of government, the military, the judiciary, and media. His role is not just political but also religious and ideological, ensuring the preservation of the Islamic nature of the state.
Key Policies and Legacy
1. Domestic Control
Khamenei has maintained a tight grip on power through:
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Control over the Guardian Council and Judiciary
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Suppression of opposition, particularly during events like the 2009 Green Movement
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Strategic appointments across military, political, and religious institutions
2. Foreign Policy
Khamenei’s foreign policy approach emphasizes:
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Opposition to U.S. and Western influence
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Support for proxy groups in the Middle East (e.g., Hezbollah in Lebanon, various militias in Iraq and Syria)
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Advocacy for a "Resistance Axis" against Israel and American hegemony
3. Nuclear Program
While denying that Iran seeks nuclear weapons, Khamenei has overseen the expansion of Iran's nuclear capabilities, framing it as a sovereign right and a symbol of resistance.
Relationship with the IRGC
Perhaps one of Khamenei’s most defining alliances is with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). As president, he forged ties with this elite force during the Iran–Iraq War. As Supreme Leader, he empowered the IRGC politically and economically, turning it into a powerful actor not just in Iran’s defense, but in its domestic and foreign affairs. The IRGC's loyalty has been a key pillar of Khamenei’s long rule.
Criticism and Controversy
Khamenei has faced criticism from both domestic reformists and international observers. His rule has been marked by:
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Crackdowns on dissent
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Allegations of election rigging (especially in 2009)
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Human rights violations
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Economic hardship amid sanctions and mismanagement
Despite this, he retains significant influence, supported by powerful institutions and a narrative of resistance against foreign domination.
Conclusion: A Defining Figure of Modern Iran
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is more than just Iran’s Supreme Leader — he is the ideological compass of the Islamic Republic. His life reflects the complexities of revolutionary governance, religious authority, and realpolitik. Whether viewed as a protector of Islamic values or as an authoritarian ruler, Khamenei’s legacy will shape Iran's trajectory for years to come.
As Iran navigates challenges from internal dissent to regional rivalries and global pressures, Khamenei remains the central figure — both revered and reviled — in its unfolding story.
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