13/08/2026
Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Hosseini Khamenei (born April 19, 1939 - passed away February 28, 2026) served as the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran for over 36 years, from 1989 until his death. He held the position of rahbar (leader), overseeing the country's highest religious and political authority under the system established after the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Before becoming Supreme Leader, he served as President of Iran from 1981 to 1989 during a challenging period that included the Iran-Iraq War. He rose through religious scholarship in Mashhad and Qom, studying under prominent figures including Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, whom he succeeded following Khomeini's passing in 1989. During his long tenure, he emphasized resistance to external pressures, support for regional allies, advancement of Iran's scientific and defense capabilities, and preservation of the revolutionary principles. He delivered frequent public addresses on matters of faith, governance, economy, and international relations, often stressing self-reliance and opposition to perceived domination by certain foreign powers.In his later years, he faced significant regional conflicts and internal economic difficulties. His leadership ended abruptly on February 28, 2026, during large-scale military actions involving the United States and Israel, as confirmed by event, a temporary council assumed responsibilities in line with constitutional provisions, while the country entered a period of mourning and transition.His rule marked one of the longest continuous leadership tenures in the modern Middle East, shaping Iran's domestic policies and foreign stance for nearly four decades.
