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Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader since 1989, holds the highest authority in the country governing religious, political, and military policies. Born in 1939 in Mashhad, he became a cleric at the age of 11 after receiving religious education. Khamenei actively participated in Ayatollah Khomeini’s anti-Shah movement and faced multiple imprisonments. Following the Islamic Revolution in 1979, he became Khomeini’s close ally, serving as Deputy Defense Minister and later elected as President in 1981. After Khomeini’s death in 1989, Khamenei assumed the position of Supreme Leader despite initial doubts about his religious qualification.
Representative of Kansai Nepal News, Ramesh Khatri, shared his opinion stating that Khamenei’s controversial statements labeling Israel as the “tumor of Western Asia” have escalated tensions. Recently, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that Khamenei’s assassination would end regional conflicts, a plan disapproved by US President Donald Trump. Trump rejected the idea, stating that while Khamenei is a known figure, there are no current plans to harm him.
Under Khamenei’s leadership, Iran strengthened the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) significantly. In 1981, an unsuccessful assassination attempt caused damage to his right arm and hearing. International sanctions were imposed for Iran’s nuclear program during his tenure, despite issuing a fatwa against nuclear weapons. Khamenei worked with five presidents but faced disagreements with many.
The long-standing tensions between Iran and Israel have escalated into direct military confrontations. Khamenei has referred to the US as the “Great Satan” and Israel as the “Little Satan.” His personal life remains private, with four sons and two daughters, notably his son Mujtaba seen as a possible successor. Khamenei rarely travels abroad since becoming Supreme Leader.
The recent controversy surrounding Khamenei involves his alleged involvement in suppressing protests following the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022. His tenure saw the imposition of numerous international sanctions over Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Despite issuing a fatwa against nuclear weapons in 2003, Khamenei’s statements have raised concerns globally.
Khamenei’s relations with past Iranian presidents have been marred by challenges. Even reformist President Mohammad Khatami faced difficulties due to Khamenei’s opposition to Western relations and support for social and political freedoms. While President Hassan Rouhani was considered moderate, tensions between him and Khamenei emerged over human rights violations and crackdowns.
The Supreme Leader faces ongoing controversies, including allegations of suppressing dissenting voices, censoring media, and promoting extremism. His stance on nuclear weapons and confrontations with the US, Israel, and internal dissidents have drawn international criticism. Despite being considered a moderate by some, Khamenei’s policies have led to a new era of authoritarianism in Iran.
The complex relationships between Iran, Israel, and the US have historically been filled with strife. Recent direct military clashes between Iran and Israel have exacerbated the already strained relations. The ongoing cyber and military conflicts between the two nations mark a significant escalation in their shadow warfare.
In conclusion, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s tenure as Iran’s Supreme Leader has been marked by internal crackdowns, international sanctions, and escalating tensions with Israel and the US. His controversial statements and actions have shaped Iran’s domestic and foreign policies, leading to increased global scrutiny and criticism.
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Author: MAYA | HARUTO
Posted at: June 18, 2025 7:00 pm
