Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is the Supreme Leader of Iran, holding ultimate authority in the country's political and religious system. He has been in this position since 1989. He is newsworthy due to escalating tensions between Iran and the US, the EU, and internal unrest within Iran. Recent news highlights a deadly crackdown on widespread protests in Iran, resulting in thousands of deaths and arrests, prompting international condemnation. The EU and potentially France are considering designating Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization due to its role in the crackdown. Simultaneously, the US, under President Trump, has increased its military presence in the Middle East and threatened military action against Iran, demanding a new nuclear deal. Trump claims Iran has reached out to negotiate, while intelligence reports suggest the Iranian government's power is weakening due to the protests. Khamenei's leadership is central to these developments, as he navigates internal dissent and external pressure, shaping Iran's response to potential military conflict and diplomatic negotiations.