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International Business Times UK
International Business Times UK
World
Rohit David

Who Is Iran Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei? Cause Of Death, Ideologies And A Quick Look At His 37-Year Reign

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei: Iran Supreme Leader’s Death, Ideologies and Reign (Credit: Ayatollah_Ali_Khamenei Inatagram Account)

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader, has been killed in a joint US and Israeli air strike on his Tehran compound. The 86-year-old cleric died on 28 February 2026 amid the large-scale operation targeting Iran's leadership, Iranian state media confirmed shortly afterwards with a 40-day mourning period declared.

His death brings to a close a 37-year reign that saw the Islamic Republic become a formidable regional force while maintaining iron-fisted theocratic control at home.

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