The Legacy of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei: A Supreme Leader's Final Days
Khamenei's Last Journey
In May 1989, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei embarked on a journey to China, marking the last time he would leave Iran. During this trip, he visited the Great Wall and later traveled to Pyongyang to meet with North Korean leader Kim Il Sung. Upon returning to Tehran, Khamenei would never again step outside his nation's borders. Just a month later, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini passed away, and Khamenei assumed control of Iran, ruling for 36 years without making any foreign trips.
Confirmation of Khamenei's Death
Khamenei Is Dead
On Sunday, Iranian state media confirmed the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, stating he was killed in strikes attributed to US-Israeli operations. Press TV reported, "Leader of Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Ali Khamenei martyred in US-Israeli attacks on Iran." Following his death, Iran's state media declared a period of 40 days for public mourning, as earlier reports indicated that several of Khamenei's family members were also casualties of the strikes.
Reactions to His Passing
What Announced Khamenei's Death
Former US President Donald Trump took to social media to announce Khamenei's death, labeling him as one of history's most malevolent figures. Trump stated, "This is not only justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans." He emphasized that the operation was a result of close collaboration between American intelligence and Israel, asserting that Khamenei could not evade their advanced tracking systems. Trump expressed hope that this moment could be a turning point for the Iranian populace to reclaim their nation.
Khamenei's Rise to Power
From President to Supreme Leader
Khamenei served as Iran's President from 1981 until 1989, initially viewed as a loyal yet relatively low-ranking figure within the Islamic Republic. However, following Khomeini's death in June 1989, he was swiftly appointed as Supreme Leader by the Assembly of Experts. His leadership lasted for 36 years and six months, making him the longest-serving head of state in the Middle East at the time of his passing.
His Final Foreign Visits
The Last Trip — China and North Korea, 1989
Khamenei's official visit to China in May 1989 was significant, as he engaged with Chinese leaders and visited the Great Wall. His subsequent trip to North Korea to meet Kim Il Sung marked the end of his foreign travels. These visits were later celebrated by Iranian officials as milestones in diplomacy, occurring as Iran was recovering from an eight-year war with Iraq.
At that time, no one could have predicted that these would be the last entries in his passport.
Khamenei's Isolationist Approach
Why He Never Left Iran Again
After assuming the role of Supreme Leader, Khamenei mirrored Khomeini's decision to remain in Iran. Khomeini had vowed never to leave the country after returning from exile in France in 1979, a promise he upheld until his death. Khamenei adopted a similar stance.
A Life of Leadership Within Borders
A Life Inside One Country
For over three decades, Khamenei made pivotal decisions regarding wars, nuclear negotiations, and domestic unrest from within Iran. He hosted foreign dignitaries in Tehran and directed military and diplomatic efforts abroad, yet he never ventured outside the country himself. Throughout his leadership, he consistently warned of threats from Israel and the United States, labeling Israel a "cancerous tumor" and the US the "Great Satan," shaping a foreign policy focused on resistance against both nations.