Who Is Ayatollah Khamenei, Iran's Supreme Leader For Over Three Decades?

Ayatollah Khamenei has ruled over Iran over 35 years.

As Supreme Leader, Khamenei is the most powerful political authority in the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Ayatollah Khamenei was born on April 19, 1939.

His political journey began in 1979, when he was appointed defence minister by Ruhollah Musavi Khomeini, Iran's 1st Supreme Leader.

After surviving an assassination attempt, Khamenei was elected President of Iran by a landslide vote in 1981.

Khamenei officially succeeded Ruhollah Khomeini after Khomeini's death, being elected as the new Supreme Leader on June 4, 1989.

Khamenei played a major role in suppressing internal critics and enemies, post the Iran-Iraq War.

Following US President Barack Obama's overtures for diplomatic change, Ayatollah Khamenei dismised them, stating: "We will watch and we will judge (the new US administration) ... You change, our behavior will change."

Owing to the economic mess despite its rich natural resources, Khamenei did not oppose the nuclear implementation in 2015.

US President Donald Trump reimposed sanctions on Iran in 2018.

Khamenei had invested heavily in the axis of resistance, including Hamas in Gaza. On June 13, 2025, Iran was attacked by Israel.

After over three decades in power, Ayatollah Khamenei is facing his greatest test since the 1979 Revolution.