In 1981, he survived an assassination attempt that left his right arm paralyzed. Yet he remained undeterred.
After Khomeini’s death in 1989, he was elected by the Assembly of Experts as Iran’s second Supreme Leader and has since been the central figure in shaping Iran’s domestic and foreign policy.
The Role of Shia Clerics in Iran
In Iran’s political structure, Shia clerics wield enormous influence.
The Supreme Leader is not just a spiritual figure but also the ultimate authority on national strategy, military command, judiciary oversight, media control, and foreign affairs.
Unlike liberal democracies, Iran operates under a system where clerics act as “guardians of ideology,” ensuring that all aspects of governance align with Islamic Shia principles.
Even the President of Iran, despite being elected by the people, remains subordinate to the authority of the Supreme Leader.
Khamenei and the Sunni Muslim World
What’s particularly noteworthy is that despite being a leading Shia figure, Khamenei has built strong relationships with various Sunni Muslim leaders.
He has consistently worked to bridge the sectarian divide between Shia and Sunni Islam.
A powerful example of this diplomatic outreach was seen when Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed support for Iran during its retaliation against Israeli attacks.
At the height of the conflict, MBS stated, “The Islamic world stands behind Iran in its fight against Zionism.”
This historic declaration marked a significant shift, considering the longstanding rivalry between Iran and Saudi Arabia.
It also highlighted Khamenei’s success in uniting the Muslim world around shared causes like the Palestinian issue and resistance against Israeli aggression—transcending sectarian lines.
