01.03.2026 05:20
Iranian religious leader Ali Khamenei, who lost his life in the attacks by the US and Israel, had held this position since 1989. So, who is Khamenei? Here are the details...
The Iranian State Television announced that Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has died in an Israeli-American attack. During the broadcast, while the Quran was being recited on screen, an announcement was made regarding Khamenei's death. The Cabinet announced that following Khamenei's death, a 40-day national mourning and a 7-day public holiday have been declared across the country.
HERE IS ALI KHAMENEI'S LIFE
So, who is Ali Khamenei, Iran's most influential and number one figure? Here are the details of Khamenei's life.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has served as the Supreme Leader (Vali-e Faqih), the highest political and religious position in Iran, since 1989. Born in 1939 in Mashhad, Khamenei has played an active role in the Islamic Revolution movement against the Shah regime since his youth.
ONE OF THE CLOSEST NAMES TO KHOMEINI
Khamenei, known as one of Ayatollah Khomeini's closest collaborators, has been a key figure in the construction of the new regime by holding critical positions such as Minister of Defense and President for two terms during the post-revolutionary period.
HE KEPT CONTROL OF THE ARMY, JUDICIARY, AND STATE MEDIA
His political ideology is based on resistance against Western influence, "Resistance Economy," and the unity of the Islamic world. Khamenei, the ultimate decision-maker in Iran's domestic and foreign policy, holds control over the army, judiciary, and state media. Throughout his tenure, he has had a decisive impact on Iran's nuclear program, regional power struggles, and military strategies in the Middle East.
In his personal life, he is recognized as a religious authority (mujtahid), known for his oratory and conservative stance. Since being elected by the Assembly of Experts after Khomeini's death, he has made it his primary goal to maintain Iran's political stability and uphold the revolutionary ideology.