Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei (86) killed in Israeli attack : State media

Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei (86) killed in Israeli attack : State media
US President Donald Trump called it greatest chance for Iranians to 'take back their country'

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Born in 1939 in Mashhad, Ali Khamenei grew up in a religious family as the son of a cleric. He became involved in political activism in 1962, joining Ayatollah Khomeini’s opposition movement against the Shah.

After the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Khamenei held key positions in the new government, including serving as deputy defence minister. He also played a role in organising the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which later became one of Iran’s most powerful military institutions.

Following Khomeini’s death in June 1989, Iran’s Assembly of Experts selected Khamenei as the country’s Supreme Leader. To make this possible, the constitution was amended, as he did not hold the highest clerical rank traditionally required for the position.

Since then, Khamenei has remained the central authority in Iran’s political and military structure. He has overseen the suppression of internal opposition and taken strong positions on foreign policy, particularly in relation to the United States and Israel. During his leadership, seven different presidents have served in Iran. He is also the father of six children.