Iran's Supreme Leader: Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (Since 1989)

Current Leadership

As of 2024, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei remains the Supreme Leader of Iran, a position he has held since June 4, 1989, following the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.

Role and Powers

• Head of State (above the President).
• Commander-in-Chief of Armed Forces (including IRGC).
• Appoints: Chief Justice, Guardian Council (6 jurists), Expediency Council, state media heads, Friday Prayer leaders.
• Sets general policies (foreign, nuclear, economic, cultural); can overrule elected branches.
• Lifetime tenure unless removed by Assembly of Experts (theoretically).

President (Executive)

Ebrahim Raisi served as President from August 2021 until his death in a helicopter crash on May 19, 2024. A snap election was held June 28, 2024; Masoud Pezeshkian won and assumed office July 2024. The President manages day-to-day administration but operates within the Supreme Leader's framework.

Verification

For real-time updates, consult official Iranian sources (khamenei.ir, president.ir) or reputable international outlets (BBC, Reuters, Al Jazeera).