Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami

Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami is a prominent, hardline cleric in Iran, often leading Friday prayers in the capital. He is known for his staunch support of the Islamic regime and his vocal opposition to dissent. He is newsworthy due to his repeated calls for the execution of protesters detained during nationwide crackdowns against unrest. These calls have intensified following protests against the government, particularly after perceived threats of intervention from the US. Khatami has described protesters as “armed hypocrites” and “soldiers” of the US and Israel, further escalating tensions. His pronouncements, broadcast on state radio, demonstrate the hardline stance of some within the Iranian leadership and their determination to suppress opposition, making him a significant figure in understanding the current political climate in Iran. In 2026, after the assassination of Supreme Leader Khamenei, the Israeli defense minister identified Khamenei's successor as a target for assassination, highlighting the volatile state of Iranian leadership.