Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is the current Supreme Leader of Iran, holding the highest position of authority in the Islamic Republic. He has been in power since 1989, following the death of the first Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the leader of the 1979 Iranian Revolution. Here’s an in-depth look at his life, influence, and role in shaping Iran’s political landscape:
Profile of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
- Full Name: Sayyid Ali Hosseini Khamenei
- Date of Birth: July 17, 1939
- Birthplace: Mashhad, Iran
- Position: Supreme Leader of Iran (since June 4, 1989)
- Previous Positions:
- President of Iran (1981-1989)
- Member of the Assembly of Experts
- Head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)
Early Life and Education
Ali Khamenei was born into a religious family in Mashhad, a major Shia pilgrimage city in northeastern Iran. He studied in religious seminaries in Mashhad, Qom, and Najaf, focusing on Islamic jurisprudence and theology under prominent scholars. His deep involvement in Islamic studies, coupled with his early political activism against the regime of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, laid the groundwork for his future leadership role.
Role in the 1979 Iranian Revolution
Khamenei was a key figure in the Islamic Revolution of 1979, which overthrew the Shah’s pro-Western monarchy and led to the establishment of the Islamic Republic. He was a close ally of Ayatollah Khomeini, the leader of the revolution. Khamenei’s speeches, writings, and organizational skills played a significant role in mobilizing support for the revolutionary movement.
Presidency (1981-1989)
Before becoming the Supreme Leader, Khamenei served two terms as the President of Iran from 1981 to 1989. During his presidency, he worked closely with the revolutionary government to consolidate the new Islamic system, especially during the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988). His presidency was marked by efforts to strengthen the military, economy, and social policies aligned with Islamic principles.
Becoming the Supreme Leader
After Ayatollah Khomeini’s death in 1989, Khamenei was chosen as the next Supreme Leader by the Assembly of Experts, despite not being a marja’ (a high-ranking cleric with the authority to issue religious rulings). His selection was seen as a compromise between various factions within the Islamic Republic, and his authority has since grown significantly.
Powers and Responsibilities
As the Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei holds the highest position in Iran, wielding substantial control over the country’s political, military, and religious spheres. His powers include:
- Commanding the Armed Forces: Khamenei has direct authority over the military, including the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which plays a crucial role in Iran’s defense and foreign policy.
- Oversight of the Government: He has the final say on major political decisions, including foreign policy, nuclear strategy, and economic reforms. He can intervene in legislative, executive, and judicial matters.
- Appointment of Key Officials: Khamenei appoints the heads of the judiciary, state media, and religious foundations, as well as members of the Guardian Council, which oversees elections and legislation to ensure compliance with Islamic law.
- Religious Authority: As a senior Shia cleric, Khamenei holds significant religious influence, issuing fatwas (religious decrees) and guiding the nation’s interpretation of Islamic laws.
Political Ideology and Views
Khamenei is known for his anti-Western, particularly anti-American and anti-Israeli stance, which shapes much of Iran’s foreign policy. He views the United States and its allies as the primary threats to the Islamic Republic’s sovereignty and has consistently pushed for a self-reliant, resistance-based approach in international relations.
- Support for “Resistance Economy”: To counter Western sanctions, especially those targeting Iran’s nuclear program, Khamenei has promoted a “resistance economy” focused on self-sufficiency, reducing dependence on oil exports, and developing local industries.
- Nuclear Program: Khamenei has been a staunch defender of Iran’s nuclear program, arguing that it is for peaceful purposes. However, he has issued a fatwa declaring the development and use of nuclear weapons as haram (forbidden in Islam).
- Regional Influence: Under Khamenei’s leadership, Iran has expanded its influence across the Middle East through proxy groups and alliances in countries like Syria, Iraq, Lebanon (via Hezbollah), and Yemen.
Public Image and Legacy
Khamenei is often portrayed as a symbol of stability and continuity in the Islamic Republic. Despite internal challenges, including economic struggles and political dissent, he has maintained a firm grip on power for over three decades.
However, his leadership has also faced criticism for:
- Human Rights Issues: Khamenei’s regime has been accused of suppressing dissent, limiting freedom of speech, and cracking down on protests, particularly during events like the Green Movement in 2009 and recent protests over economic conditions and women’s rights.
- Economic Challenges: While Khamenei has pushed for economic self-reliance, Iran’s economy has struggled under international sanctions, leading to high inflation, unemployment, and widespread discontent among the population.
