Supreme leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran from 1989 until his death, Khamenei held ultimate authority over the country’s political, military and religious institutions for more than three decades.

Elevated to the role after the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, he became commander-in-chief of the armed forces and the final decision-maker on Iran’s nuclear programme and foreign policy. His tenure reshaped Middle Eastern geopolitics. He strengthened the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and backed the so-called "axis of resistance" across Lebanon, Gaza, Iraq, Syria and Yemen. Relations with the West oscillated between confrontation and negotiation, including the 2015 nuclear deal and its collapse following the US withdrawal in 2018.

At home, his rule was marked by recurring unrest, from the 2009 Green Movement to the 2022 Woman, Life, Freedom protests, each met with force and widespread arrests. Supporters viewed him as a guardian of revolutionary ideals. Critics saw entrenched authoritarianism and repression. Khamenei’s leadership defined modern Iran.

Listen to today’s episode of Obituary Today to explore the life and legacy of one of the most consequential political figures of the 21st century.

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