Who is Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei?

Israel’s recent surprise attack on Iran, aimed at destroying its nuclear program, has put the spotlight on Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the country’s reclusive supreme leader. Following an Iranian missile strike on an Israeli hospital, Israel Defense Minister Israel Katz vowed that Khamenei would be held accountable for his actions, likening him to a modern-day Hitler.

Khamenei, who has ruled Iran for decades, has created a tight circle of loyalists around him, both inside and outside the country. However, Israel’s recent actions have targeted some of his closest aides and weakened his militant allies across the region, leaving the supreme leader increasingly isolated.

A revolutionary at heart, Khamenei has always seen himself as a fighter rather than a diplomat. His militant stance was evident in his recent statements, where he vowed that Iran would not surrender and would respond to any attacks with force. Born in 1939, Khamenei played a key role in the 1979 revolution that overthrew the Shah of Iran and established the Islamic Republic.

After the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in 1989, Khamenei rose to power as Iran’s supreme leader, despite some reports suggesting he was not fully qualified for the position at the time. Since then, he has consolidated his power, cracking down on dissent and taking a hardline stance against the West and Israel.

Under Khamenei’s rule, Iran has become a police state, with widespread human rights abuses, executions, and torture. His regime has been responsible for countless deaths, both within Iran and abroad, where dissidents have been targeted and assassinated. Khamenei has also supported militant groups across the region, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, all of which have faced setbacks due to Israeli military pressure.

Despite facing challenges and protests over the years, Khamenei remains the supreme leader for life under Iran’s clerical ruling system. His anti-Israel and militant Islamist beliefs have shaped his leadership style and continue to guide his actions. Despite warnings and the potential for war, Khamenei shows no signs of backing down in his confrontations with Israel.

As tensions continue to rise in the region, Khamenei’s isolation and militant stance could have far-reaching consequences for Iran and the Middle East as a whole. The world will be watching closely as the supreme leader navigates these challenging times.