Guide Note

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is the Supreme Ruler of Iran. The Supreme Leader is the highest ranking political and religious official in Iran and, as such, directs Iran's domestic and foreign policies, is Commander in Chief of the armed forces and has considerable control over the Council of Guardians, the state media and the electoral process.

Fast Facts

1. Full name: Seyyed ‘Alî Hosaynî Khâmene’î
2. Born: July 17, 1939
3. Political Party: Combatant Clergy Association and Islamic Republic Society
4. Was President of Iran from 1981 to 1989
5. Became Supreme Leader of Iran on June 4, 1989
6. Succeeded Ayatollah Khomeini
7. Supported laws oppressing people of the Baha'i faith
8. Condemned the 9-11 attacks
9. Supportive of Iranian scientific research and development

1. "In case the enemies of Iran intend to use force and violence and act illegally, without a doubt the Iranian nation and officials will use all their capabilities to strike the invading enemies. We can also carry out illegal actions."
2. "The people who control America today make decisions like drunkards. They do not understand what they are doing at all."
3. "The Iraqi people will hate any government established in Iraq that will be recognized as appointed by the Americans, just as the Americans are hated. The Americans' coming to Iraq was a mistake. Their staying was a mistake. Their behavior with the population was a mistake....They must know that certainly, the Islamic world and chiefly the Shiite world will not stay silent in face of this."