Ali Khamenei
Ali Khamenei was the Supreme Leader of Iran until his death.
Notable Quotes
"More dangerous than that warship is the weapon that can send that warship to the bottom of the sea."View Story →
"Of course, a warship is a dangerous piece of military hardware."View Story →
"death to the dictator"View Story →
"We have heard lots of explosions. I live in middle of Tehran."View Story →
"no ship is allowed to pass the Strait of Hormuz"View Story →
"Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) described the operation as a direct response to what Tehran called aggression against Iranian territory."View Story →
"We have heard lots of explosions. I live in middle of Tehran."View Story →
"We have heard lots of explosions. I live in middle of Tehran."View Story →
"An aircraft carrier is a dangerous machine, but even more dangerous than that is the weapon capable of sending it to the bottom of the sea."View Story →
"Ayatollah Khamenei's residence has been hit."View Story →
"the head of the snake should have been targeted and eliminated during last year’s 12 Day War."View Story →
"Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was not pleased with the idea of his son’s leadership and never allowed this issue to be raised during his lifetime."View Story →
"Try to find anywhere else on this earth where the population would be happy with an external attack on their country."View Story →
"I came here from the southern suburbs to be safe with my children and the strike hit."View Story →
Related Stories
Trump's dramatic plane swap hints at personal stakes of Iran war
It marks another striking episode in the turbulent history of his relationship with Iran, writes Anthony Zurcher.
August 12, 2026US launches fresh strikes as Iran closes Strait of Hormuz
The strikes follow an attack on a Cyrpus-flagged vessel travelling through the critical waterway.
July 12, 2026Huge crowds in Mashhad as Iran's late supreme leader is buried
Ali Khamenei was buried at the Imam Reza shrine, Iran's holiest Shia Muslim site, ending six days of public mourning ceremonies.
July 9, 2026Khamenei's coffin carried through Shia shrines as ceremonies held in Iraq
The remains of Iran's late supreme leader are transported to Najaf and Karbala, as funeral ceremonies continue for a fifth day.
July 8, 2026Thousands march as Khamenei's funeral procession crosses into Iraq - Reuters
Thousands march as Khamenei's funeral procession crosses into Iraq Reuters
July 8, 2026Tankers hit in Hormuz as huge crowds mourn Khamenei in Iran - Reuters
Tankers hit in Hormuz as huge crowds mourn Khamenei in Iran Reuters
July 7, 2026Iranian mourners call for vengeance on Trump during Khamenei funeral procession - Reuters
Iranian mourners call for vengeance on Trump during Khamenei funeral procession Reuters
July 6, 2026Iran's supreme leader absent as senior officials attend ayatollah's funeral
Ali Khamenei's son Mojtaba is conspicuously absent from his father's funeral on Sunday, amid speculation about his condition.
July 5, 2026Three sons of Iran's slain leader Khamenei appear at funeral, not his successor - Reuters
Three sons of Iran's slain leader Khamenei appear at funeral, not his successor Reuters
July 5, 2026Large crowds gather in Tehran on first day of Ayatollah Khamenei's funeral
Ali Khamenei's body will lie in state in Tehran's Grand Mosalla until Monday, before travelling across Iran and Iraq.
July 4, 2026Iran begins public mourning for Ayatollah killed in February
Ali Khamenei's body will lie in state in Tehran's Grand Mosalla from Friday ahead of days-long funeral events.
July 3, 2026Bowen: US-Iran deal raises inescapable question of what the war was for
While the human cost is clear, the Iranian regime has not just survived the war, it has been empowered.
June 18, 2026US-Iran deal may not bring quick relief for auto shops - Reuters
US-Iran deal may not bring quick relief for auto shops Reuters
June 16, 2026Bowen: Iran deal ends Trump's war that revealed limit of US dominance
The deal to end fighting and re-open the Strait of Hormuz leaves the sides where they were 24 hours before the war - only with thousands now dead.
June 15, 2026Trump says he believes Iran's supreme leader has approved deal with US - Reuters
Trump says he believes Iran's supreme leader has approved deal with US Reuters
June 11, 2026Trump says he would not unfreeze Iran's assets before peace deal is done - Reuters
Trump says he would not unfreeze Iran's assets before peace deal is done Reuters
June 7, 2026Lebanon strikes, peace talks and the 'Ketamine Queen' - Reuters
Lebanon strikes, peace talks and the 'Ketamine Queen' Reuters
April 9, 2026More than 15 countries planning to facilitate Strait of Hormuz access, Macron says - Reuters
More than 15 countries planning to facilitate Strait of Hormuz access, Macron says Reuters
April 8, 2026Israeli strike kills Christian party official in Lebanon, widening divisions over Hezbollah - Reuters
Israeli strike kills Christian party official in Lebanon, widening divisions over Hezbollah Reuters
April 6, 2026Israel strikes Beirut, US warns Iran may hit Lebanese universities - Reuters
Israel strikes Beirut, US warns Iran may hit Lebanese universities Reuters
April 3, 2026Experts dispute US account of deadly Iran sports hall strike in Lamerd
Six weapons experts have contested the US claim that video evidence suggests an Iranian missile could have hit the hall.
April 3, 2026What do Trump's latest comments on leaving Nato mean for the alliance?
Trump has criticised Nato members for showing a lack of support for US objectives in Iran.
April 1, 2026Iran says Trump's statements on Tehran requesting ceasefire are false and baseless - Reuters
Iran says Trump's statements on Tehran requesting ceasefire are false and baseless Reuters
April 1, 2026One month in, what do American conservatives make of the war in Iran?
Attendees at the annual CPAC conference in Texas are conflicted about Operation Epic Fury, which was launched by the US and Israel on 28 February.
March 27, 2026Everyday life in Asia is being upended by Iran war fuel crisis
Asia relies heavily on oil and gas from the Gulf, and shortages and higher prices are starting to bite.
March 24, 2026Exclusive: Trump approved Iran operation after Netanyahu argued for joint killing of Khamenei, sources say - Reuters
Exclusive: Trump approved Iran operation after Netanyahu argued for joint killing of Khamenei, sources say Reuters
March 23, 2026US' and Iran's options for ending war narrow the longer it goes on
Iran shows no sign of climbdown, while air power alone cannot achieve the US' main goal.
March 23, 2026Death of Ali Larijani deepens crisis at heart of Iran's leadership
Larijani has long been seen as one of the Islamic Republic's most experienced and influential policy makers.
March 17, 2026Iran confirms security chief Ali Larijani killed, Iranian media reports - Reuters
Iran confirms security chief Ali Larijani killed, Iranian media reports Reuters
March 17, 2026What Iranians are being told about the war
Iranian state media's coverage of the war includes inflations of enemy casualties and digital manipulation intended to glorify Iran.
March 16, 2026'Gruesome' war bets fuel calls for crackdown on prediction markets
Predictions markets have hosted millions of dollars of bets related to the war in Iran.
March 15, 2026Hamas urges key ally Iran to halt attacks on Gulf states
The Palestinian group also affirms Tehran's right to defend itself from "aggression" by the US and Israel.
March 14, 2026As hopes of regime change in Iran fade, Netanyahu faces political test
Israeli leaders are framing the bombing campaign as having transformed the Middle East in their favour as pressure to end the conflict builds.
March 13, 2026Trump says it is not appropriate for Iran to be in soccer World Cup - Reuters
Trump says it is not appropriate for Iran to be in soccer World Cup Reuters
March 12, 2026'What if we're left with ruins?': Doubts creep in for Iranians who supported war
Teachers, engineers and shopkeepers tell the BBC they fear Iran falling into chaos.
March 12, 2026Questions mount for Hegseth over possible US involvement in strike on Iranian school
Democrats have written to ask the defence secretary whether the US was responsible, but he says the issue is being investigated.
March 12, 2026What role has cyber warfare played in Iran?
Militaries are often cagey about their cyber activities. But the US has hinted at the role it has played.
March 12, 2026Iran's new leader, still silent, was elevated by the Revolutionary Guards - Reuters
Iran's new leader, still silent, was elevated by the Revolutionary Guards Reuters
March 10, 2026Oil prices fall after Trump warns Iran over Strait of Hormuz
The oil price reached nearly $120 a barrel on Monday over fears of lengthy disruption to supplies.
March 10, 2026Trump says war against Iran is 'very complete,' CBS News reports - Reuters
Trump says war against Iran is 'very complete,' CBS News reports Reuters
March 9, 2026Trump tells NY Post he is 'nowhere near' deciding to send troops to Iran to secure nuclear stockpile - Reuters
Trump tells NY Post he is 'nowhere near' deciding to send troops to Iran to secure nuclear stockpile Reuters
March 9, 2026Police release images of Oslo US embassy explosion suspect
Norwegian police say their investigation so far shows Sunday's blast was caused by an improvised device.
March 9, 2026Watch: Ukrainian anti-drone 'bullet' that could help defend Gulf
The BBC's Diplomatic Correspondent, James Landale, is in Ukraine to see the latest anti-drone technology the country has to offer.
March 9, 2026Iran's choice of Mojtaba Khamenei appears to close path to swift end to war - Reuters
Iran's choice of Mojtaba Khamenei appears to close path to swift end to war Reuters
March 9, 2026Oil prices surge above $110 and shares slide over Iran war
Major disruption to energy supplies threatens to push up prices for consumers and businesses around the world.
March 9, 2026Who is Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran's new supreme leader?
Many expect the 56-year-old, who has largely kept a low profile, to continue his father's hardline policies.
March 8, 2026Iran defies Trump, elevates Khamenei's son Mojtaba as successor - Reuters
Iran defies Trump, elevates Khamenei's son Mojtaba as successor Reuters
March 8, 2026Iranian army says at least 104 killed in US attack on Iranian warship last week - Reuters
Iranian army says at least 104 killed in US attack on Iranian warship last week Reuters
March 8, 2026Israeli military says it will pursue every successor of Iran's Khamenei - Reuters
Israeli military says it will pursue every successor of Iran's Khamenei Reuters
March 8, 2026Two Kuwaiti interior ministry officers killed 'while performing duties' - Reuters
Two Kuwaiti interior ministry officers killed 'while performing duties' Reuters
March 8, 2026'This is a moment of grave peril' - UN humanitarian chief
UN Humanitarian Affairs Lead Tom Fletcher speaks to the BBC about the conflict in the Middle East.
March 8, 2026Majority consensus reached on Iran's next supreme leader - Reuters
Majority consensus reached on Iran's next supreme leader Reuters
March 8, 2026Four killed in Beirut hotel strike, Israel says it targeted Iranian commanders - Reuters
Four killed in Beirut hotel strike, Israel says it targeted Iranian commanders Reuters
March 8, 2026Cracks emerge in Iran's leadership as it reels under bombardment - Reuters
Cracks emerge in Iran's leadership as it reels under bombardment Reuters
March 7, 2026Thousands of Americans evacuated from Middle East on charter flights, State Department says - Reuters
Thousands of Americans evacuated from Middle East on charter flights, State Department says Reuters
March 7, 2026We've been speaking to Iranians during one week of war. Here's what they said
Ordinary Iranians reflect on seven days of conflict and where they see their country going next.
March 7, 2026Pakistani convicted of plotting to kill Trump over death of Iran commander - Reuters
Pakistani convicted of plotting to kill Trump over death of Iran commander Reuters
March 7, 2026Trump demands 'unconditional surrender' from Iran as Putin speaks with Iran's president
The president also calls on Tehran to pick new leaders who are "acceptable" to the White House after six days of war.
March 7, 2026US skips congressional review to approve munitions sale to Israel - Reuters
US skips congressional review to approve munitions sale to Israel Reuters
March 7, 2026The final voyage of the Iranian warship sunk by the US
The sinking of an Iranian ship by the US near Sri Lanka brings the conflict uncomfortably close to India.
March 7, 2026After Iran, will Trump turn his eyes to Cuba?
During a White House event with the Inter Miami CF soccer team, the US president said the island was “ready to fall”.
March 6, 2026Inside Venezuela's political transition two months after Maduro's ousting
The BBC's Ione Wells reports from the country and speaks to recently freed opposition politicians about the government's future and relations with the US.
March 6, 2026Hezbollah saw new war with Israel as inevitable and rearmed for months, sources say - Reuters
Hezbollah saw new war with Israel as inevitable and rearmed for months, sources say Reuters
March 6, 2026'What is the game plan?': The Iran war is unsettling China and its ambitions
China is not feeling the shock of war in the Middle East - yet. But it is feeling the ripples.
March 5, 2026Timelapse shows change in the flow of ships in the Strait of Hormuz
A timelapse of marine traffic shows the flow of ships has decreased in the Strait of Hormuz.
March 5, 2026Missiles, drones coming from Iran fell on airport in Azerbaijan, source says - Reuters
Missiles, drones coming from Iran fell on airport in Azerbaijan, source says Reuters
March 5, 2026How depleted weapons stockpiles could affect the Iran conflict
Weapons stocks will not alone decide the outcome of this conflict, but it's certainly a significant factor, writes the BBC's Jonathan Beale.
March 4, 2026'Every day feels like a month': Iranians describe life under 'constant' US-Israeli strikes
Iranians are coping with daily strikes, internet blackouts, and security crackdowns - all while trying to stay in touch with loved ones.
March 4, 2026Iran postpones Khamenei funeral as US-Israeli bombardment continues
An official says more preparations are needed for the three-day ceremony in Tehran, where the supreme leader will lie in state.
March 4, 2026Russia may halt gas supplies to Europe amid Iran energy spike, Putin says - Reuters
Russia may halt gas supplies to Europe amid Iran energy spike, Putin says Reuters
March 4, 2026Watch: BBC asks Hegseth about reports of strike on school
Asked about the reported bombing of a school in Iran, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said that the US was "investigating".
March 4, 2026Iran's Revolutionary Guards take wartime lead, ensuring harder line, sources say - Reuters
Iran's Revolutionary Guards take wartime lead, ensuring harder line, sources say Reuters
March 4, 2026Who is Mojtaba Khamenei, frontrunner to be Iran's supreme leader? - Reuters
Who is Mojtaba Khamenei, frontrunner to be Iran's supreme leader? Reuters
March 4, 2026Authorities put down limited fire in vicinity of US consulate in Dubai after drone strike, media office says - Reuters
Authorities put down limited fire in vicinity of US consulate in Dubai after drone strike, media office says Reuters
March 3, 2026Iran conflict threatens Gulf tourism, undermining years of investment - Reuters
Iran conflict threatens Gulf tourism, undermining years of investment Reuters
March 3, 2026Too early to tell scope of Iran strikes, Trump tells Congress
In a letter to Congress, the US president says that the threat from Iran had become "untenable".
March 3, 2026Trump says he ordered strike on Iran over attack fears - Reuters
Trump says he ordered strike on Iran over attack fears Reuters
March 3, 2026Britain sends helicopters with counter-drone tech to Cyprus, deploys naval vessel - Reuters
Britain sends helicopters with counter-drone tech to Cyprus, deploys naval vessel Reuters
March 3, 2026China's foreign minister tells Israeli counterpart that attacks on Iran must end - Reuters
China's foreign minister tells Israeli counterpart that attacks on Iran must end Reuters
March 3, 2026US nationals urged to leave Middle East as conflict spreads
The US State Department says Americans should "depart now via commercial means" as strikes continue.
March 3, 2026Iran's strikes on Gulf states may widen war against Tehran, analysts say - Reuters
Iran's strikes on Gulf states may widen war against Tehran, analysts say Reuters
March 3, 2026Trump says US war supplies mean it can fight 'forever' - Reuters
Trump says US war supplies mean it can fight 'forever' Reuters
March 3, 2026In maps: Strikes across Iran and the Middle East
Israel has launched an invasion into Lebanon, while the US embassy in Riyadh was hit by a pair of drones overnight.
March 3, 2026US debuts suicide drone in Iran after fast-tracked Pentagon procurement - Reuters
US debuts suicide drone in Iran after fast-tracked Pentagon procurement Reuters
March 3, 2026Netanyahu says US-Israel war on Iran 'not going to take years' - Reuters
Netanyahu says US-Israel war on Iran 'not going to take years' Reuters
March 3, 2026Attack on Iran could buoy Trump in talks with China's Xi - Reuters
Attack on Iran could buoy Trump in talks with China's Xi Reuters
March 3, 2026Watch: The third day of the US-Israeli war with Iran
A fast-moving day saw the conflict widen in the region, with strikes being traded between opposing sides.
March 2, 2026Hegseth on Iran attacks: 'This is not Iraq, this is not endless'
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth offered few details about the operation, leaving questions unanswered about the scope or duration.
March 2, 2026US not veering into a new, endless war, Pentagon says - Reuters
US not veering into a new, endless war, Pentagon says Reuters
March 2, 2026Iran's regime is still intact - the coming days will show if it can hold out
Iran's surviving leaders are in crisis mode, battling to project security as US and Israel strikes continue.
March 1, 2026The months-long, US-Israeli mission to find and kill Iran's Supreme Leader
A piece of crucial intelligence arrived just hours before the attack on a compound in central Tehran.
March 1, 2026Putin slams killing of Iran's Khamenei but offers little beyond condolences so far - Reuters
Putin slams killing of Iran's Khamenei but offers little beyond condolences so far Reuters
March 1, 2026In Khamenei's absence, pragmatist Larijani emerges as power broker in Iran - Reuters
In Khamenei's absence, pragmatist Larijani emerges as power broker in Iran Reuters
March 1, 2026Celebrations around the world after strikes on Iran
People in the UK, Spain and the United States celebrated on Saturday following news of the strikes.
March 1, 2026Lyse Doucet: This is an extraordinary moment Iran has been preparing for
The killing of the supreme leader will be a huge jolt to the Islamic Republic, which will try hard to show it has a plan in place.
March 1, 2026Watch: Moment Iran's state TV announces Supreme Leader has been killed
Iran's state media has confirmed that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has been killed.
March 1, 2026More strikes aimed at Iran after Khamenei's death, Trump issues new warning - Reuters
More strikes aimed at Iran after Khamenei's death, Trump issues new warning Reuters
March 1, 2026Iran says US and Israel strikes hit school killing 108
There is no confirmation by the US or Israel of the strike on the school located near elite military troops.
March 1, 2026Iran's Ali Khamenei, who based iron rule on fiery hostility to US and Israel, dies at 86 - Reuters
Iran's Ali Khamenei, who based iron rule on fiery hostility to US and Israel, dies at 86 Reuters
March 1, 2026Why did the US attack Iran? Is the US at war? Here's what to know
What we know so far about the US-Israeli strikes against Iran and what might come next.
March 1, 2026Ayatollah Khamenei's iron grip on power in Iran comes to an end
Iranian state TV confirms the supreme leader has been killed on the first day of massive US and Israeli air strikes on the country.
March 1, 2026Iran's supreme leader Khamenei killed, Iranian state media confirm - Reuters
Iran's supreme leader Khamenei killed, Iranian state media confirm Reuters
March 1, 2026Israel, US launched strikes as Iranian leader met with inner circle, sources say - Reuters
Israel, US launched strikes as Iranian leader met with inner circle, sources say Reuters
March 1, 2026Daughter and grandchild of Iran's Khamenei killed in US-Israeli strikes, state media says - Reuters
Daughter and grandchild of Iran's Khamenei killed in US-Israeli strikes, state media says Reuters
March 1, 2026Trump says Iran's Khamenei is dead - Reuters
Trump says Iran's Khamenei is dead Reuters
February 28, 2026Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei killed, senior Israeli official says - Reuters
Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei killed, senior Israeli official says Reuters
February 28, 2026Israel's Netanyahu says many signs that Khamenei 'is no longer' - Reuters
Israel's Netanyahu says many signs that Khamenei 'is no longer' Reuters
February 28, 2026Exclusive: Prior to Iran attacks, CIA assessed Khamenei could be replaced by hardline IRGC elements if killed, sources say - Reuters
Exclusive: Prior to Iran attacks, CIA assessed Khamenei could be replaced by hardline IRGC elements if killed, sources say Reuters
February 28, 2026Iran's revolutionary guards tell ships passage through Strait of Hormuz 'not allowed', EU naval mission official says - Reuters
Iran's revolutionary guards tell ships passage through Strait of Hormuz 'not allowed', EU naval mission official says Reuters
February 28, 2026Inside Iran, panic as strikes hit but for some it's a moment of relief
Iranians talk about what is happening inside the country, despite an almost total internet blackout.
February 28, 2026Iran says it has hit US base in Bahrain, as it launches strikes across region
Huge plumes of black smoke were seen rising from an area near the headquarters of the US Navy's Fifth Fleet in Manama, Bahrain.
February 28, 2026Watch: Trump announces 'major combat operations' in Iran
US President Donald Trump accuses the Iranian regime of waging an "unending campaign of bloodshed and mass murder targeting the United States".
February 28, 2026US and Israel launch "pre-emptive" attack against Iran - Reuters
US and Israel launch "pre-emptive" attack against Iran Reuters
February 28, 2026Surviving strike, Shamkhani resumes central role in Iran's war room - Reuters
Surviving strike, Shamkhani resumes central role in Iran's war room Reuters
February 25, 2026Iran issues death sentence linked to January unrest, source says - Reuters
Iran issues death sentence linked to January unrest, source says Reuters
February 24, 2026Exclusive: Iran and US views on sanctions relief differ, Iranian official tells Reuters - Reuters
Exclusive: Iran and US views on sanctions relief differ, Iranian official tells Reuters Reuters
February 22, 2026Iranian students begin new university term with protests - Reuters
Iranian students begin new university term with protests Reuters
February 21, 2026Trump says he is considering limited military strike on Iran
Trump's new threat came a day after he appeared to give Iran about 10 days to agree to a deal to curb its nuclear programme.
February 20, 2026Norway moves some of its 60 soldiers in Middle East due to security situation - Reuters
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMirwFBVV95cUxOcTY0cTU2V056amlOenZTeWR1OWtEeGhCMElFcDN4bVNPUTMwSHpsekl0VXhfUDNTR0pHODZmNFNHaGNNNW80c0F0cTZkaHV6RVI1X3E1UEtObDFQUjJsX0VEelZIc1kwSHhUa0tDNU1PMkZFdWRjY1RlRWFyU2x2UnVZdkQzQ1lZbTZBbVlIeFRLbTNpVWI4aUJ0bTdmSkFVMThtRzY4STlZblVJT3hn?oc=5" target="_blank">Norway moves some of its 60 soldiers in Middle East due to security situation</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">Reuters</font>
February 20, 2026Trump says world has 10 days to see if Iran deal reached
The US is surging forces to the Middle East amid negotiations with the Islamic Republic over its nuclear programme.
February 19, 2026