Ali Khamenei

Supreme Leader of Iran from 1989 to 2026

Born: April 19, 1939 · Died: February 28, 2026

War & ConflictPolitics & GovernmentSocial & Human Rights

Ali Khamenei — Image via Wikimedia Commons or Wikipedia.

Overview

Known for

Supreme Leader of Iran from 1989 to 2026

Who was Ali Khamenei?

Ali Hosseini Khamenei was an Iranian politician and Shia cleric who served as the second supreme leader of Iran from 1989 until his assassination in the 2026 Iran war. A member of the Khamenei family, he previously served as the third president of Iran from 1981 to 1989.

Historical significance

He held the title Grand Ayatollah, and his tenure as supreme leader, spanning 36 years and six months, made him the longest-serving head of state in West Asia at the time of his death.

Related on thisDay

Iran Helicopter Crash Kills President Raisi — May 19, 2024

7 killed as President Raisi's helicopter crashes in Tehran in 2024, sparking national turmoil and raising questions about the future of Iran's government.

After 65 straight days of civil disobedience, at least 31 people are killed in clashes — June 5, 2009

At least 31 protesters killed in Khuzestan Province, Iran, in 2009 after 65 days of civil disobedience come to a deadly end.

Sources and further reading

Use the dated article for the day-specific account; use these references to check the event record and explore its wider historical context.

Date article: Iran Helicopter Crash Kills President Raisi — May 19, 2024 Wikipedia source

Cite this page

MLA

“Ali Khamenei.” thisDay, thisday.info/people/ali-khamenei/. Accessed 2 Nov. 2026.

APA

Ali Khamenei. (n.d.). thisDay. Retrieved November 2, 2026, from https://thisday.info/people/ali-khamenei/

Chicago

“Ali Khamenei.” thisDay. Accessed November 2, 2026. https://thisday.info/people/ali-khamenei/.

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