Kris Kristofferson

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, born on July 17, 1939, in Mashhad, Iran, is the current Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran. He succeeded Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic, as the Supreme Leader in 1989, making him one of the longest-serving heads of state in the Middle East. His life, influence, and leadership have profoundly shaped the course of Iranian politics, the development of the Islamic Republic, and Iran’s position on the global stage. To understand Khamenei's role, it's essential to explore his early life, his rise to power, his tenure as Supreme Leader, and his impact on both domestic and international policies.

Early Life and Education

Ali Khamenei was born into a religious family in Mashhad, a city that is a major center of Shiite Islam in Iran. His father, Seyyed Javad Khamenei, was a prominent cleric, and this deeply religious upbringing had a lasting influence on Khamenei’s worldview and career trajectory. From an early age, Khamenei was exposed to Islamic teachings and began his religious studies at a young age, first under his father’s tutelage and later at local seminaries.

Khamenei moved to the holy city of Qom in 1958 to further his education, studying under prominent clerics such as Ayatollah Khomeini, who would later become the leader of the Iranian Revolution. It was in Qom where Khamenei became deeply involved in political and religious activism. Inspired by Khomeini’s teachings, which combined Islamic jurisprudence with political activism, Khamenei became an outspoken critic of the Shah's regime, opposing the Westernization and secularization policies of Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi. Khamenei’s early exposure to Islamic philosophy, combined with his political activism, would shape his lifelong belief in the necessity of an Islamic government led by clerics.

Political Activism and Role in the Revolution

In the 1960s and 1970s, Iran was under the rule of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, whose secular policies and alliance with Western powers, particularly the United States, alienated many in Iran, especially the religious establishment. The Shah's regime heavily suppressed political opposition, particularly leftist and Islamist groups. Khamenei became increasingly active in underground political activities, often facing arrest and imprisonment. His speeches and sermons, which blended Islamic teachings with sharp criticisms of the Shah's government, earned him a reputation as a rising revolutionary figure.

During this period, Khamenei was imprisoned multiple times for his opposition to the Shah’s regime. He was a member of the clerical network that supported Khomeini, who had been exiled to Iraq and later to France. Khomeini’s writings and speeches were smuggled into Iran, helping to galvanize opposition to the Shah. Khamenei played a significant role in spreading Khomeini’s message, contributing to the growing wave of Islamic and nationalist sentiment that culminated in the 1979 Iranian Revolution.

The 1979 Iranian Revolution and Post-Revolutionary Role

The Iranian Revolution of 1979 resulted in the overthrow of the Pahlavi monarchy and the establishment of the Islamic Republic. Khamenei was a key supporter of Khomeini and one of the architects of the new Islamic government. After the revolution, he quickly rose through the ranks of the political system.

In the early years of the Islamic Republic, Khamenei held various key positions. He was appointed as the deputy defense minister and later became a representative of Khomeini on the Supreme Defense Council, a key body during the Iran-Iraq War. His involvement in military and defense matters during this time helped to solidify his standing within the new regime.

In 1981, after the assassination of Mohammad-Ali Rajai, Khamenei was elected President of Iran, becoming the first cleric to hold the position. As president, he had to navigate the country through a difficult period marked by the ongoing Iran-Iraq War (1980–1988), political infighting, and the consolidation of the Islamic Republic’s theocratic institutions. His presidency was marked by a pragmatic approach to governance, though he remained deeply loyal to the ideals of the revolution and Khomeini’s vision of an Islamic state. He served as president for two terms, from 1981 to 1989.

Rise to Supreme Leader

In 1989, Khomeini passed away, creating a power vacuum in the leadership of the Islamic Republic. The position of Supreme Leader was of paramount importance, as it conferred the highest authority in Iran, including control over the armed forces, the judiciary, and oversight of the executive and legislative branches. Khamenei was selected as Khomeini’s successor by the Assembly of Experts, a body of clerics responsible for appointing the Supreme Leader.

Khamenei’s selection was somewhat unexpected, as he was not initially seen as a leading candidate. At the time, Khamenei was not considered a marja, or senior religious authority, a requirement for the position according to some interpretations of the Iranian constitution. However, the Assembly of Experts chose him based on his loyalty to Khomeini, his political experience, and his ability to maintain stability in the post-revolutionary state. Shortly after assuming the role of Supreme Leader, Khamenei’s religious credentials were bolstered to legitimize his position.

Consolidation of Power

Once in power, Khamenei focused on consolidating his authority and strengthening the role of the Supreme Leader within the Iranian political system. Over time, Khamenei expanded his influence, not only over the military and security forces but also over key political institutions and the media.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), a powerful military and political force in Iran, became one of Khamenei’s main sources of support. He fostered close ties with the IRGC, which plays a critical role in enforcing the Islamic Republic’s ideological and political agenda. Through the IRGC and other security agencies, Khamenei ensured the survival of the Islamic Republic, particularly during times of internal dissent and external pressure.

Khamenei also cultivated a network of loyal clerics, politicians, and technocrats who supported his vision of Iran as a revolutionary Islamic state. He has consistently positioned himself as the ultimate arbiter in Iranian politics, using his powers to mediate conflicts between various factions within the government. While the Iranian political system allows for elected officials, such as the president and members of parliament, Khamenei’s authority as Supreme Leader supersedes all other branches of government, making him the final decision-maker on key issues.

Domestic Policies and Challenges

Khamenei’s tenure has been marked by numerous challenges, including economic difficulties, political unrest, and calls for reform. Iran’s economy, heavily dependent on oil exports, has faced severe challenges due to international sanctions, mismanagement, and corruption. While Khamenei has supported economic reforms at times, he has also resisted efforts that he perceives as undermining the Islamic character of the state.

One of the most significant challenges to Khamenei’s rule came in 2009, following the disputed presidential election that saw the re-election of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Millions of Iranians took to the streets in what became known as the Green Movement, protesting alleged electoral fraud and calling for political reforms. Khamenei supported the crackdown on the protests, labeling the demonstrators as foreign-backed agents trying to destabilize the country. This period revealed the extent of Khamenei’s control over the security apparatus and his unwillingness to compromise on issues of political dissent.

Despite facing periodic unrest, Khamenei has maintained a tight grip on power, in part through his control of the judiciary and his ability to influence elections. Candidates for public office, including the presidency, must be vetted by the Guardian Council, a body that is under Khamenei’s influence. This ensures that no one who poses a serious challenge to the Islamic Republic’s core principles can assume office.

Foreign Policy

Khamenei has been a staunch advocate of resistance to Western influence, particularly that of the United States and Israel. His foreign policy is shaped by a combination of Islamic ideology and strategic concerns. Khamenei views the U.S. and its allies as hostile forces that seek to undermine the Islamic Republic and dominate the Middle East. Under his leadership, Iran has pursued a policy of regional influence, supporting proxy groups and allies in countries such as Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen.

The cornerstone of Khamenei’s foreign policy is his opposition to Israel, which he views as an illegitimate state. He has consistently supported groups such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and Palestinian factions that oppose Israel. Khamenei has also been a vocal critic of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, which he believes is a way for Western powers to impose a solution that favors Israel.

Khamenei has also overseen Iran’s nuclear program, which has been a major point of contention with the international community. While Khamenei has repeatedly stated that Iran is not seeking nuclear weapons, the country’s nuclear activities have led to widespread suspicion and the imposition of international sanctions. Khamenei has maintained that Iran has the right to pursue nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, but he has also shown a willingness to engage in negotiations, such as the 2015 nuclear deal (the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA). However, after the U.S. withdrawal from the agreement under President Donald Trump in 2018, Khamenei has taken a more hardline stance, accusing the U.S. of bad faith and vowing to continue Iran’s nuclear program.

Legacy and Influence

As of the present day, Khamenei remains the most powerful figure in Iran, with a profound influence on every aspect of the country’s political, military, and religious life. His legacy is closely tied to the survival and development of the Islamic Republic. While his supporters view him as a steadfast leader who has preserved the revolutionary ideals of 1979, his critics argue that his policies have stifled political freedoms, led to economic mismanagement, and isolated Iran from the international community.

Khamenei’s tenure as Supreme Leader is notable for its consistency. Throughout his time in power, he has adhered to the core principles of the Islamic Revolution: the rejection of Western influence, the central role of Islam in governance, and the commitment to exporting the revolution’s ideals. However, Iran has also evolved during his leadership, with growing demands for reform, a younger and more diverse population, and increasing pressure from both internal and external forces.

As Khamenei ages, speculation about his successor and the future direction of Iran has intensified. The next Supreme Leader, whoever it may be, will inherit a complex and divided country, with the challenges of economic sanctions, political unrest, and regional tensions likely to continue. Khamenei’s influence will undoubtedly shape Iran for years to come, regardless of the leadership transitions that may occur.

In conclusion, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's life and leadership have been integral to the Islamic Republic’s survival and evolution. His role as Supreme Leader has allowed him to shape Iran’s political, religious, and ideological trajectory, making him one of the most influential figures in the contemporary Middle East. Whether viewed as a defender of Islamic values or a repressive autocrat, Khamenei’s impact on Iran and the wider region is undeniable.