Ruhollah Khomeini
Background
AI-generatedRuhollah Khomeini was an Iranian Shia Muslim cleric and revolutionary leader who founded the Islamic Republic of Iran and served as its first Supreme Leader from 1979 until his death in 1989.
Role
Khomeini is known as the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran and its first Supreme Leader, a position he held from the 1979 revolution until his death in 1989. He established the framework of clerical governance (velayat-e faqih) that continues to structure Iran's political system.
Background
Born in 1902 in Khomein, Iran, Khomeini rose to prominence as a Shia religious scholar and became a vocal critic of the Pahlavi monarchy, leading to his exile in 1964. He spent years in Iraq and later France before returning to Iran in 1979 to lead the revolution that overthrew Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, after which he was designated Supreme Leader. His successor, Ali Khamenei, was selected by the Assembly of Experts following Khomeini's death in 1989.
Why they are in the news
Khomeini's name has recurred in mid-2026 coverage in connection with the death of his successor, Ali Khamenei, who was reported killed in a war and whose multi-day state funeral was held in Iran. References to Khomeini appear as historical context establishing the origin of the Supreme Leader position now vacated by Khamenei's death.
Background context generated by AI from public knowledge and recent Apprise coverage. Facts may lag current events — see the stories below for the latest.
In the news
▶ 45sIran begins dayslong funeral for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, killed in war
The funeral for Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has started, months after his death in an airstrike on the first day of the war
▶ 59sIran prepares for dayslong funeral for late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, killed in war
Iran is preparing for the dayslong funeral of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei