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Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, born in 1939, has been Iran's Supreme Leader since 1989, succeeding Ruhollah Khomeini. As the highest authority in the Islamic Republic, he oversees the armed forces, judiciary, and key state institutions, wielding ultimate power over policy, including nuclear and foreign affairs. A hardline cleric, he has shaped Iran's anti-Western stance, support for proxies like Hezbollah, and domestic repression.

As of February 28, 2026, Khamenei is reported dead from joint U.S.-Israeli airstrikes targeting his Tehran compound in a major operation aimed at regime change. Multiple Israeli officials, sources cited by Reuters, CNN, AP, Fox News, and others confirm his death, with some stating his body was found and Netanyahu noting "growing signs" he is "gone." However, Iranian officials, including the Foreign Minister, insist he is alive and "commanding the field" or "safe and sound."