Who was Ayatollah Khomeini?

Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini (1902–1989) was an Iranian Shia cleric, revolutionary, and political leader who became the founder and first Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran. He played a central role in the 1979 Iranian Revolution, which overthrew the Pahlavi monarchy, led by Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, and established an Islamic theocracy in Iran.

Key points about Khomeini:

Religious Scholar and Cleric: Khomeini was a Grand Ayatollah, one of the highest-ranking titles in Shia Islam. He spent years teaching Islamic philosophy, theology, and ethics.

Opposition to the Shah: Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Khomeini became a vocal critic of the Shah's policies, especially his close ties to the West, secularization, and modernization efforts, which Khomeini saw as anti-Islamic. His opposition to the Shah made him a popular figure among those dissatisfied with the regime.

Exile: Khomeini was exiled from Iran in 1964 for his outspoken criticism. He spent years in Turkey, Iraq, and eventually France, continuing his anti-Shah activities. Despite his physical absence, he remained a powerful symbolic leader through his writings, recorded speeches, and declarations.

1979 Iranian Revolution: The Shah's regime collapsed in 1979 after months of protests, strikes, and civil unrest. Khomeini returned to Iran in February of that year, where he was welcomed by millions of supporters. Shortly after his return, the monarchy was abolished, and Iran was declared an Islamic Republic following a national referendum.

Islamic Republic of Iran: Khomeini established a theocratic system of government based on the concept of Velayat-e Faqih (Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist), where a religious leader holds ultimate political authority. He became the Supreme Leader, holding immense power over both the state and the armed forces.

Anti-Western and Anti-Israeli Sentiment: Khomeini's government adopted a strongly anti-Western and anti-Israeli stance, viewing Western influence as corrupting and imperialistic. His ideology inspired political Islam across the region and emphasized independence from foreign powers.

Iran-Iraq War: Under his leadership, Iran fought a brutal war with Iraq (1980–1988) after Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein invaded Iran. The war resulted in massive casualties and economic strain on both nations.

Legacy: Khomeini remains a deeply influential figure in Iran and among Islamic movements worldwide. While revered by many Iranians for leading the revolution, his legacy is also controversial due to the establishment of a strict theocracy and the repression of political opponents. His ideology continues to shape Iran’s domestic and foreign policies.

Khomeini passed away in 1989, and his successor, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, continues to hold the position of Supreme Leader.