Ali Khamenei

The Supreme Leader of Iran is one of the country's most influential figures since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. He succeeded Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini as Supreme Leader in 1989 and has held this position for over three decades, making him one of the region's longest-serving leaders. Before becoming Supreme Leader, Khamenei served as Iran's president from 1981 to 1989. Born on April 19, 1939, in Mashhad, Iran, into a devout Shia family, he studied at Islamic seminaries in Qom and Mashhad. During the Pahlavi dynasty, he was arrested several times for political activism against the Shah. After the revolution, he played a key role in shaping Iran’s Islamic regime and consolidating power within religious institutions. In 1981, he survived an assassination attempt, which permanently paralyzed his right hand. As Supreme Leader, Khamenei oversees all branches of government, armed forces, and Iran's domestic and foreign policies. He adopts a strong anti-Western and anti-Israel stance and supports movements opposing Western influence in the region. Under his leadership, Iran has faced major protests, including the 2009 Green Movement and the 2022 demonstrations following Mahsa Amini's death. Despite these challenges, Khamenei remains a central authority in Iran's politics and religion.