Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader of Iran, has ruled the country with an iron fist since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. His regime is marked by repression, both domestically and internationally, as he has consistently supported militant groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthi movement, while maintaining a hostile stance toward Israel and the West.
Recent events have intensified the already volatile situation. Following Israel’s surprise attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities, Khamenei has drawn sharp criticism, with Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz calling him a ‘modern day Hitler’ and vowing to hold him accountable for his actions. The Iranian missile strike targeting an Israeli hospital has further escalated tensions, leading to fierce condemnations from Israel and its allies.
Khamenei’s isolation is growing as Israel takes out some of his closest aides and senior security figures, weakening the country’s regional influence and alliances. Despite these challenges, Khamenei remains resolute, vowing that ‘war will be met with war,’ according to Iranian media. This hardline stance has solidified his position, albeit at the cost of internal and external stability.
His authoritarian rule has led to widespread human rights abuses, including mass executions, torture, and the brutal suppression of dissent. The 2009 protests, which called for his downfall, were violently crushed, and the 2022 protests following the death of Mahsa Amini were met with similarly harsh retribution. Khamenei’s regime has also been implicated in the deaths of citizens both domestically and abroad, with the Council on Foreign Relations noting that his authority allows him to maintain control over all aspects of governance.
With the ongoing conflict and the increasing isolation of Khamenei, the region’s stability remains uncertain. The international community watches closely as the situation continues to escalate, potentially leading to broader regional and global implications.