Life and power: Supreme Leader Khamenei — the man steering Iran through its gravest crisis
As Iran faces its most intense military pressure since the 1980s war with Iraq, Ayatollah Khamenei's absolute authority is being tested as never before.
World — March 2, 2026
At 86, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has guided the Islamic Republic through the assassination of generals, the collapse of oil revenues, waves of street protests, and multiple rounds of sanctions. But the current crisis—a sustained US-Israeli military campaign striking at the core of his nuclear legacy—may be the most severe test of his three-decade rule.
Khamenei assumed the position of Supreme Leader in 1989 following the death of the Islamic Republic's founder, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Unlike his predecessor, Khamenei was not regarded as a grand religious authority, and his legitimacy has always rested more on political acumen than theological standing.
Over the years he has concentrated power systematically, subordinating elected presidents, reducing the independence of the judiciary, and embedding loyalists throughout the Revolutionary Guards and the Basij militia.
The nuclear program, which he has publicly described as a right enshrined in international law, is widely seen as central to his legacy—a deterrent he believes will prevent the fate of Muammar Gaddafi, who abandoned his weapons programs and was later overthrown.
Whether the current campaign will break that conviction, or harden it, may determine the trajectory of the Middle East for a generation.
Intelligence analysts say Khamenei has moved to undisclosed locations and is believed to be communicating through secure channels. No public appearance has been confirmed since the strikes began.
