Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei: The Power Behind the Islamic Republic

Introduction

In the complex political landscape of the Middle East, few figures are as influential—or as enigmatic—as Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Since assuming the role in 1989 after the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, Khamenei has become the undisputed political and spiritual authority in Iran. His leadership has spanned over three decades, marked by economic sanctions, nuclear negotiations, regional conflicts, and internal dissent.

While Iran holds presidential elections and has a functioning parliament, the real power lies with the Supreme Leader—a position that transcends electoral politics and commands control over the military, judiciary, and key media and religious institutions.

This article explores the life, influence, ideology, and enduring legacy of Ali Khamenei, highlighting his central role in shaping not only Iran’s domestic policies but also its international posture.

Rise to Power – From Cleric to Supreme Leader

Early Life and Religious Education

Ali Hosseini Khamenei was born on July 17, 1939, in Mashhad, Iran, into a devout Shia family. His father was a respected religious scholar. From an early age, Khamenei showed an aptitude for religious studies, eventually studying under leading theologians in Qom, Iran’s religious capital.

Influenced by the teachings of Ayatollah Khomeini, Khamenei became politically active in the 1960s, participating in anti-Shah protests and enduring multiple arrests and imprisonment. After the Islamic Revolution in 1979, he rose rapidly through the ranks of the new regime.

Political Ascension

Khamenei's political career gained traction in the early years of the Islamic Republic. He served as:

• Deputy Minister of Defense

• Leader of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)

• President of Iran (1981–1989)

Though seen initially as a moderate, his presidency revealed a strong commitment to the revolutionary ideals of Islamic governance. Upon Ayatollah Khomeini’s death in 1989, Khamenei was elected Supreme Leader by the Assembly of Experts, despite not being the most senior cleric at the time.

Timeline of Major Events in Khamenei’s Rise

The Powers and Ideology of the Supreme Leader

Supreme Authority

As Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei holds the most powerful position in Iran. His responsibilities include:

• Appointing the head of the judiciary

• Commanding the armed forces and IRGC

• Overseeing state broadcasting

• Controlling key religious and political institutions

• Approving presidential candidates and election results

In effect, Khamenei acts as both the guardian of Islamic values and the arbiter of political power, making all major strategic decisions, including foreign policy and nuclear development.

Ideological Beliefs

Khamenei’s political philosophy is rooted in "Velayat-e Faqih" (Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist), a doctrine developed by Khomeini. It holds that a qualified Islamic jurist should oversee the state’s political and moral direction until the return of the Mahdi (Shia Islam’s messianic figure).

Khamenei promotes:

• Anti-Western sentiment, especially towards the United States and Israel

• Regional influence through proxies (e.g., Hezbollah in Lebanon, militias in Iraq)

• Cultural conservatism and Islamic morality

• Resistance to secularism and liberal reforms

Key Powers of the Supreme Leader

1. Appoints heads of the military and judiciary

2. Issues decrees and fatwas that shape national policy

3. Controls state media and messaging

4. Approves candidates for key political elections

5. Commands the IRGC and national security apparatus

6. Oversees Iran’s foreign policy and diplomatic strategy

Influence on Foreign Policy and Regional Strategy

Anti-Western Stance

Khamenei has long positioned Iran as a bulwark against Western influence. He was critical of the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA), though he allowed negotiations to proceed under President Hassan Rouhani. His distrust of the U.S. remained clear, especially after the U.S. withdrawal from the JCPOA in 2018, which Khamenei cited as proof of American unreliability.

Support for Proxy Groups

Under Khamenei, Iran has adopted a strategy of asymmetric warfare, supporting proxy militias across the Middle East to expand influence without direct confrontation. Key groups include:

• Hezbollah in Lebanon

• Houthi rebels in Yemen

• Shiite militias in Iraq and Syria

This strategy has both solidified Iran’s regional power and drawn criticism for fomenting instability in neighboring countries.

Khamenei’s Regional Influence Through Proxies

Internal Dissent and Human Rights Controversies

Crackdown on Protest Movements

Khamenei’s rule has been marked by regular protests against government corruption, economic hardship, and repression. Major protest waves occurred in:

• 2009: Green Movement after disputed presidential election

• 2017–2018: Economic protests

• 2019: Gasoline price hike demonstrations

• 2022–2023: Mahsa Amini protests over morality police abuses

Each time, Khamenei has endorsed a hardline response, often involving internet blackouts, arrests, and the use of force against demonstrators.

Human Rights Concerns

International organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have documented:

• Arbitrary detentions

• Torture and ill-treatment of political prisoners

• Suppression of freedom of speech and press

• Restrictions on women’s rights and minority communities

While the Iranian government frames these actions as preserving "Islamic morality and national security," they continue to draw international condemnation.

Key Criticisms Against Khamenei’s Leadership

1. Suppression of Free Speech

2. Restrictions on Women’s Rights

3. Harsh Crackdown on Peaceful Protests

4. Lack of Judicial Independence

5. Control Over Electoral Processes

6. Censorship of Media and Internet

Conclusion

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is one of the most powerful and controversial leaders in the modern world. As the Supreme Leader of Iran, his influence extends far beyond national borders, shaping geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and defining Iran’s relationship with the West.

To his supporters, he is the guardian of Islamic values and national sovereignty. To critics, he is a symbol of repression and authoritarianism. Regardless of perspective, his impact on the Islamic Republic is undeniable—and his legacy will continue to define Iran’s trajectory for years to come.

Whether seen as a stabilizing force or a symbol of resistance to reform, Ali Khamenei remains the ideological compass and ultimate decision-maker of modern Iran.