Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Killed in U.S-Israeli Air Strikes ,End of 36-Year Rule Sparks Regional Crisis

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was Iran’s highest political and religious authority for more than three decades, succeeding founder Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. As supreme leader, he wielded ultimate command over Iran’s government, judiciary, military, and security forces. His rule was defined by strict ideological control, resistance to Western influence, and expansion of Iran’s regional power through proxy groups and military involvement.

Under Khamenei, Iran backed armed groups such as Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza, and the Houthi rebels in Yemen, and intervened militarily in the Syrian civil war. He also oversaw a controversial nuclear programme that heightened tensions with the West and drew heavy sanctions. Domestically, his government cracked down on protests and dissent, including major uprisings in 2009 and 2022.

The U.S. and Israel launched the strikes after months of rising tensions, accusing Iran of maintaining missile programs, supporting militant attacks, and obstructing diplomacy over its nuclear programme. U.S. President Donald Trump said Khamenei was “one of the most evil people in history” and framed the operation as justice against years of violence and threats to Western interests.