Who is Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran s Supreme Leader who ruled for 36 years?

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader for 36 years, faced severe protests earlier this year. In response, he carried out one of the harshest crackdowns of his leadership. However, a recent military strike by the U.S. or Israel may have led to his downfall. President Donald Trump announced that Khamenei was killed in a significant attack by U.S. and Israeli forces, urging the Iranian people to overthrow their government. Iranian state media confirmed his death late Saturday, stating that Khamenei was “martyred in a joint attack” by the U.S. and Israel. Press TV reported that he was a great scholar and fighter who dedicated his life to advancing Iran and Islam, hoping he would now be united with the Imam and the Master of Martyrs. At 86 years old, Khamenei had been trying to prevent such military actions as the U.S. increased its military presence in the area to pressure Iran regarding its nuclear program. He warned that any U.S. attack could lead to a regional war. Meanwhile, he permitted Iran to engage in talks with the U.S. over its nuclear issues. Before the supreme leader’s compound was targeted on Saturday, Khamenei had been under intense pressure. The violent suppression of protests, where thousands died amidst cries of “Death to Khamenei,” highlighted the danger of public anger. Years of sanctions, poor economic management, and corruption had severely weakened Iran’s economy. The U.S. and Israeli bombings during last summer’s 12-day conflict had significantly damaged Iran’s nuclear program, missile systems, and military strength. Furthermore, Iran's network of regional allies, such as Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the Houthis in Yemen, has suffered from U.S. and Israeli attacks since the outbreak of conflict in Gaza, diminishing Tehran’s influence throughout the Middle East.