The rise and reign of Khamenei

The death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran, has brought an end to an era in the country’s political history.

Khamenei, who began his early life as a religious student, later became deeply involved in the politics of the revolution. Over time, he rose steadily through the ranks to emerge as the most powerful figure in Iran.

His authority ultimately came to define the direction of the Iranian state, with his decisions shaping the country’s policies for years.

A staunch critic of the United States, Khamenei’s ascent marked one of the most consequential political journeys in the nation’s modern history.