Ayatollah Khamenei: Leader of the Islamic Revolution of Iran

His Rise to Power

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei became the Supreme Leader of Iran in 1989, following the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. During the presidency of Hassan Rouhani, rumors of Khamenei's eventual succession had been circulating for years. However, Khamenei was not initially a marja (senior Shia cleric) or ayatollah, and the Assembly of Experts had to modify the constitution to bestow upon him the position of Supreme Leader.

Key Points:

• Ayatollah Khamenei's official website provides news, photos, and videos about his life and work.
• Khamenei's rise to power was marked by his appointment as Ayatollah Montazeri's successor in 1985.
• Khamenei assumed the role of Supreme Leader in 1989, following the death of Ayatollah Khomeini.