Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei confronts his biggest test after surviving past protests and war, with analysts saying his grip on power is now shakier
PARIS: Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei is confronting his most significant challenge after decades of dominating the theocratic system. The 86-year-old has ruled since 1989, seeing off successive crises through repression and strategic manoeuvring.
He survived the 1999 student demonstrations and the mass protests of 2009 and 2019. Khamenei also weathered the 2022-2023 “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement sparked by Mahsa Amini’s death.
He was forced into hiding during a 12-day war with Israel in June, which exposed deep intelligence breaches. Emerging last Friday, he denounced recent nationwide protesters as “a bunch of vandals” backed by the United States and Israel.
Analysts say his grasp on power is now shakier despite thwarting the current wave with a crackdown. Rights groups say the suppression has left thousands dead.
The International Crisis Group said the system has “faced repeated popular challenges” under Khamenei. Its report stated the approach of crushing dissent “bought it time” but failed to address underlying grievances.
Khamenei lives under intense security due to threats from Israel or the US. His public appearances are never announced in advance or broadcast live.
His last known foreign trip was to North Korea in 1989 as president. There is long-standing speculation about his health, though his steady speech last week fuelled no new rumours.
His right arm was partially paralysed after a 1981 assassination attempt blamed on the MEK group. Repeatedly arrested under the shah, Khamenei became Tehran’s Friday prayer leader after the revolution.
He was elected president in 1981 following another assassination. When revolutionary founder Ayatollah Khomeini died, the Assembly of Experts chose Khamenei as leader.
Khamenei famously initially rejected the nomination, declaring “I am opposed”. The clerics stood in unison to seal his nomination, and his grip on power has not slackened since.
He has worked with six elected presidents, including moderates like Mohammad Khatami. Khamenei has always ultimately sided with hardliners, maintaining confrontation with the US and refusal to recognise Israel.
He is believed to have six children, with only Mojtaba having public prominence. A family dispute has seen his sister Badri and some of her children become vehement critics.
