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Who is Ayatollah Ali Khamenei?
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is a prominent Iranian cleric and politician, currently serving as the Supreme Leader of Iran, a position he has held since 1989. He succeeded Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Khamenei was born on July 15, 1939, in Mashhad, Iran, and began his religious education at a young age, studying at the hawza (Islamic seminary) in Mashhad 1.
Political Career Before becoming Supreme Leader, Khamenei served as the President of Iran from 1981 to 1989. His leadership style is characterized by a strong emphasis on Islamic governance and the principles of the Islamic Revolution. As Supreme Leader, he holds significant power over all branches of government, including the military and judiciary, and has the final say on major state matters 2 3.
Influence and Authority Khamenei's influence extends beyond Iran, impacting regional politics and international relations. He is often viewed as a key figure in shaping Iran's foreign policy, particularly in relation to the West and neighboring countries. His leadership has been marked by a commitment to the principles of the Islamic Republic, including the concept of Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist, which underpins the political system in Iran 4 5.
In summary, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is a central figure in Iranian politics, wielding considerable authority and shaping the direction of the country since the late 20th century.