Ali Hosseini Khamenei

Full Name: Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Hosseini Khamenei
Profession: 2nd Supreme Leader of Iran

Nationality:

Biography: Ali Hosseini Khamenei is the current Supreme Leader of Iran, holding the position since 1989 following the death of his predecessor, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Khamenei's role as Supreme Leader, a position of paramount importance in Iran's mixed theocratic and republican order, has seen him exert influence over every major area of Iranian politics and society.

He began his political career as an opponent of the Pahlavi dynasty and a close associate of Ayatollah Khomeini, which saw him imprisoned several times. With the success of the Islamic Revolution in 1979, Khamenei held a number of important governmental roles, including president of Iran from 1981 to 1989. His presidency was marked by the Iran-Iraq War, one of the longest and most brutal conflicts of the 20th century.

As Supreme Leader, Khamenei has played a key role in shaping Iran's domestic and foreign policy. He maintains strict control over all the country's armed forces and makes decisions on security, defense, and major foreign policy issues. His leadership has been marked by a staunch anti-American and anti-Western stance, as well as resistance to liberalizing reforms within Iran.

Despite his leadership being marked by controversy and resistance, especially during times of heightened political tension such as the 2009 Iranian presidential election protests, Khamenei has held steadfast to his ideological principles. His life and career remain a testament to the complexities and contradictions of modern Iran.

His scholarly work is also worth noting, as he has written numerous books on Islamic philosophy, law, and ethics. His speeches and sermons on different aspects of Islamic jurisprudence and governance are widely followed within Iran and among Shi'a communities worldwide. He is also a recognized poet and has published several collections under his name.

Born: April 19, 1939
Birthplace: Mashhad, Khorasan, Iran
Age: 85 years old

Generation: Silent Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Rabbit
Star Sign: Aries