Ali Khamenei: Iran’s Supreme Power Behind Politics

Ali Khamenei: Iran’s Supreme Leader in Focus

Ali Hosseini Khamenei, born in 1939 in Mashhad, Iran, rose from modest beginnings to become the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic — the nation’s most powerful figure. A devout Islamic scholar trained in Qom under Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, Khamenei also cultivated a love for literature and languages, which would later influence his speeches and writings.

Khamenei was a vocal opponent of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and was repeatedly imprisoned for his revolutionary activism. After the 1979 Islamic Revolution, he quickly climbed the ranks of the new theocratic regime, eventually serving as President from 1981 to 1989. Upon Khomeini’s death, Khamenei was controversially appointed Supreme Leader, despite not being the highest-ranking cleric at the time.

As Supreme Leader, Khamenei holds sweeping authority over Iran’s foreign policy, military, judiciary, media, and more — overshadowing the president and parliament. He champions a foreign policy of resistance, particularly against the U.S. and Israel, supporting groups like Hezbollah and Hamas, and maintaining a hardline stance on Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

Domestically, his rule has faced growing unrest, including the 2009 Green Movement and 2022 protests following Mahsa Amini’s death. His government’s crackdowns on dissent have drawn international condemnation. Yet, Khamenei attributes these uprisings to Western interference.

A firm believer in Velayat-e Faqih — the rule of Islamic jurists — Khamenei blends political authority with religious ideology. Now in his 80s and ruling for over 35 years, questions about his succession and Iran’s future direction persist.

Khamenei’s legacy is one of both ideological steadfastness and deep controversy. Whether seen as a guardian of Islamic values or a symbol of authoritarian control, his impact on Iran’s identity and global role remains profound — and his story, unfinished.

Read full blog:- https://aadishworld.com/ali-khamenei-irans-supreme-power-behind-politics/