Ali Hosseini Khamenei, born on April 19, 1939, is a prominent Iranian cleric and politician who has been the Supreme Leader of Iran since 1989, making him the longest-serving head of state in the Middle East. Prior to this role, he served as the third president of Iran from 1981 to 1989. His tenure as Supreme Leader has seen him wield extensive authority over Iran’s political, military, and religious spheres, solidifying his influence in the Islamic Republic.
Ayatollah Khamenei Profile
| Name | Ali Khamenei |
| Real Name | Ali Hosseini Khamenei |
| Date of Birth | 19 April 1939 |
| Age | 85 years |
| Nationality | Iranian |
| Occupation | Cleric and Politician |
| Religion | Islam |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Net Worth | $95 Billion |
| Copied from | contents101.com |
Educational Background
Khamenei pursued religious studies at seminaries in Mashhad, Najaf, and Qom, studying under prominent scholars such as Ayatollah Borujerdi and Ayatollah Khomeini. His education focused on Islamic jurisprudence and Twelver Shiism, which laid the foundation for his later role as a marja, the highest-ranking cleric in Twelver Shia Islam.
Career
Khamenei’s career spans decades of political and religious leadership. He was an active dissident during the reign of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, which led to multiple arrests and a three-year exile. Following the 1979 Islamic Revolution, he played a key role in shaping the new political order, serving as a close ally of Ayatollah Khomeini.
Khamenei was elected president in 1981, during which he developed strong ties with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). In 1989, after Khomeini’s death, the Assembly of Experts selected Khamenei as Supreme Leader, a position granting him ultimate authority over Iran’s government, armed forces, and media.
Controversies
Ayatollah Khamenei’s fight against weapons of mass destruction has been both praised and scrutinized, particularly in the context of Iran’s nuclear program. Allegations of nepotism, including the grooming of his son Mojtaba for leadership, have also sparked debate.
Ali Khamenei’s health has been a recurring topic of controversy, particularly in recent years. Rumors about his deteriorating health, including allegations of prostate cancer and surgery for bowel obstruction, have sparked widespread speculation both domestically and internationally. These rumors intensified in September 2022, when reports claimed he underwent emergency surgery, prompting debates over his ability to continue leading and the potential for succession.
In November 2024, fresh speculations emerged suggesting Khamenei had fallen into a coma. However, Iranian state media dismissed these claims, releasing images and footage of him meeting with Iran’s Ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani. Observers viewed this public appearance as a strategic move to quell doubts and project stability amid ongoing internal and external challenges, including international sanctions and domestic unrest.
Ayatollah Khamenei Social Media Handle
https://www.instagram.com/khamenei_ir.iran/?hl=en
Personal Life
Khamenei is married to Mansoureh Khojasteh Bagherzadeh, and they have six children—four sons and two daughters. His family has close ties to other influential figures in Iran, with several of his children married into prominent political families.
Khamenei is known for his simple lifestyle, enjoying poetry and gardening. Despite his absolute authority, he presents himself as humble, often seen tending to his garden with simple tools.
Ayatollah Khamenei Net Worth
Ayatollah Khamenei’s net worth is estimated to be around $95 Billion.