In October, Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Hosseini Khamenei, declared Israel's demise imminent. This followed the killing of Hezbollah's leader, a personal blow. The ongoing Israeli attacks and weakened proxy forces present a challenge for Khamenei.
Khamenei, a pragmatic revolutionary, rose through the ranks after the 1979 revolution. He was influenced by Khomeini and built a power base, including the IRGC. He consolidated control, eliminating opponents and supporting proxies to project power.
He allowed some reform but protected the regime's core. He was skeptical of the nuclear deal but did not oppose it. Repression and economic issues have fueled unrest.
Khamenei invested in the "axis of resistance," which has faltered. His modest lifestyle has deflected criticism. Now ailing, his long career is ending, facing its greatest challenge.
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