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What to know about Iran's mysterious leader, Ali Khamenei
BBC [Live Page] ^ | June 18 | BBC [Live Page]

Posted on 06/18/2025 1:12:07 AM PDT by RandFan

You may have seen news this week that Israel had planned to assassinate the supreme leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, before the US reportedly intervened.

Donald Trump also warned on social media he knows "exactly where the so-called 'Supreme Leader' is hiding."

But who is Khamenei? And why would Israel target him?

Ali Khamenei is Iran's head of state, and has been for more than three decades. His title puts him above the president, Masoud Pezeshkian, as the country's most powerful religious and political leader.

Apart from sweeping powers in governing the country, Khamenei also leads the hardline religious regime that seized control of Iran in the 1979 Islamic revolution.

That was when a popular uprising overthrew Iran's monarchy led by the Shah, Reza Pahlavi, and established a religious republic in its place.

There have only been two supreme leaders since then, both chosen by Iran's Assembly of Experts. The title "Ayatollah" refers to a senior cleric in Shi'a Islam.

As supreme leader, Khamenei is commander-in-chief of the country's military, which might partly explain why he is seen as a target by Israel.

As Iran is an authoritarian regime, Iranian people have practically no say in choosing their leader. And dissent, including posting criticism of Khamenei on social media, can get you thrown in prison.

(Excerpt) Read more at bbc.co.uk ...


TOPICS: Iran; Miscellaneous; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: iran; khamenei

1 posted on 06/18/2025 1:12:07 AM PDT by RandFan
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To: RandFan

Khamenei was in charge when 80+ Israelis were killed in a synagogue bombing in Argentina and 19 Americans were killed in a Saudi base (Khobar Towers), by Iran-sponsored terrorists. If he is killed, it will be long-delayed payback for their deaths, and the deaths of 1200 Israelis and Americans killed on 10/7 at Iran’s behest. It took under a month for the US to start bombing al Qaeda’s nation state backers in Afghanistan. Israel has waited 20 months.


2 posted on 06/18/2025 1:55:21 AM PDT by Zhang Fei (My dad had a Delta 88. That was a car. It was like driving your living room)
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To: RandFan

another war, Trump is no different than all the others. What a disappointment!


3 posted on 06/18/2025 2:46:31 AM PDT by rod5591
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To: rod5591

“another war, Trump is no different than all the others. What a disappointment!”

Actually this would be a country that already launches satellites, is developing nukes, and has vowed to use them to DESTROY us.

So there is that small difference.


4 posted on 06/18/2025 3:54:43 AM PDT by BobL
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To: Zhang Fei

And Ali Khamenei has hung more than 11,000 citizens from a crane in public display since he was in power.

It is “HIS” Ceausescu Moment. Hang him? or simply bury him.

KA BOOM. Drop the Mountain on top of him. No ceremony just cook him in his uranium oven.


5 posted on 06/18/2025 4:20:39 AM PDT by Texas Fossil (Texas is not about where you were born, but a Free State of Heart, Mind and Attitude.)
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To: rod5591

You are just a jacksss panican, and are nowmarkedassuch. Nothing has been done yet and you wet you pants. Sunshine soldier, pathetic.


6 posted on 06/18/2025 10:32:13 AM PDT by cowboyusa (YESHUA IS KING OF AMERICA, AND HE WILL HAVE NO O.THER GODS BEFORE HIM!)
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