Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

Iran’s Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is killed in Israeli strike, ending 36-year iron rule

Khamenei, the Islamic Republic's second supreme leader, has been killed. He had held power since 1989, guiding Iran through difficult times — and overseeing the violent suppression of dissent.

After Iran’s war with Israel, questions return about Khamenei’s potential successors

After the 12-day war in June, the issue of who will succeed Iran's longtime supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has become more urgent.

Six things to know about Iran’s supreme leader

NPR's Steve Inskeep profiles Iran's supreme leader, who is deciding on his next steps after a ceasefire with Israel.