Who is Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and how did he become Iran's Supreme Leader?
Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Hosseini Khamenei is the current Supreme Leader of Iran, holding the country’s highest authority since 1989.
📌 Early Life and Background:
- Born: July 17, 1939, in Mashhad, Iran
- Education: Studied in Islamic seminaries in Qom and Mashhad, and was a student of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the leader of the 1979 Iranian Revolution.
- Pre-Revolution: Actively opposed the Shah of Iran, was imprisoned multiple times, and lived in exile.
📌 After the 1979 Islamic Revolution:
Following the fall of the Shah, Khamenei took on several key roles:
- Appointed as a representative of Imam Khomeini
- Gave important Friday sermons in Tehran
- Became closely involved in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)
In 1981, after the assassination of Iran’s president, he was elected as President of Iran and served two terms (1981–1989).
📌 How Did He Become Supreme Leader?
- On June 3, 1989, Ayatollah Khomeini passed away.
- According to Iran’s constitution, the Assembly of Experts selects the Supreme Leader.
- Although Khamenei was not a top-ranking religious authority (Marja) at the time, the assembly chose him as temporary Supreme Leader.
- Soon after, he was officially confirmed as Supreme Leader, and the constitution was amended to allow someone with "Islamic scholarship and political knowledge" to hold the position — not necessarily the highest-ranking cleric.
📌 Today’s Role:
As Supreme Leader, Khamenei:
- Controls Iran’s military, judiciary, media, and intelligence
- Has the final say in foreign policy and nuclear negotiations
- Oversees presidential and parliamentary decision-making
He is considered the most powerful figure in Iran and holds office for life.
Let me know if you want details on his political views, controversies, or Iran’s current leadership structure.
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