Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader, 1939-2026
Hardline cleric who led Islamic Republic since 1989 projected power across the region and suppressed protests at home
Hardline cleric who led Islamic Republic since 1989 projected power across the region and suppressed protests at home

Iran’s new supreme leader has been shaped by decades-long ties with the powerful and hardline Revolutionary Guards

Selection of slain ayatollah’s son is seen as act of defiance against war launched by US and Israel

Under fire from US and Israeli jets, the Islamic republic’s leaders turn to succession

Regime loyalists promote idea of succession after killing of Ayatollah by Israel and US

US and Israeli forces pounded Islamic Republic with ‘massive’ strikes, drawing retaliatory attacks on Israel, UAE and Saudi Arabia

State television confirms supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei killed