
The Ayatollah Sayyid Ruhollah Khomeini | |
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Khomeini c. 1980s | |
1st Supreme Leader of Iran | |
In office 3 December 1979 – 3 June 1989 | |
President | Abolhassan Banisadr Mohammad-Ali Rajai Ali Khamenei |
What was the role of Rafsanjani in the 1989 presidential election?
Why was Banisadr chosen as the first President of Iran?
What is Islamic Theocracy?
How many votes did Rajai get?
What was the first time Khamenei was elected?
Why is Ahmadinejad criticized?
What is Rafsanjani's political position?
See 4 more
About this website

Who was leader of Iran?
Ali KhameneiIran / Supreme leaderSayyid Ali Hosseini Khamenei is a Twelver Shia marja' and the second and current Supreme Leader of Iran, in office since 1989. He was previously the third president of Iran from 1981 to 1989. Wikipedia
Who was the leader of Iran before the Iranian Revolution?
One of the most dramatic changes in government in Iran's history was seen with the 1979 Iranian Revolution where Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi was overthrown and replaced by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.
What was Ayatollah Khomeini known for?
The Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini led an Islamic revolution in Iran, took the country away from the political leader called the Shah, and ran Iran as a theocracy from 1979 until his death in 1989.
Is the Ayatollah Khomeini still alive?
June 3, 1989Ruhollah Khomeini / Date of death
Who conquered Iran first?
In 642, Umar ibn al-Khattab, then-Caliph of the Muslims, ordered a full-scale invasion of Persia by the Rashidun army, which led to the complete conquest of the Sasanian Empire by 651.
Who invaded Iran first?
IraqIraq launched a full-scale invasion of Iran on 22 September 1980. The Iraqi Air Force launched surprise air strikes on ten Iranian airfields with the objective of destroying the Iranian Air Force.
What does SHA mean in Persian?
Šāh, or Šāhanšāh (King of Kings) to use the full-length term, was the title of the Persian emperors.
Why did Iran change in 1979?
Iranian people voted in a national referendum to become an Islamic republic on 1 April 1979 and to formulate and approve a new theocratic-republican constitution whereby Khomeini became supreme leader of the country in December 1979. The revolution was unusual for the surprise it created throughout the world.
What religion is Ayatollah?
Ruhollah KhomeiniThe Ayatollah Sayyid Ruhollah KhomeiniReligionIslamDenominationTwelver ShīʿāJurisprudenceUsuliNotable idea(s)New advance of Guardianship28 more rows
Is Iran a democracy?
For over a century, the Iranian people have struggled toward democracy. During the last 40 years, however, after the ousting of the Shah, the Iranian people have been subjugated by an oppressive theocracy called the “Islamic Republic,” with a religious “Supreme Leader” overseeing all aspects of Iranian life.
Did Khomeini buy weapons from Israel?
A report in March 1982 stated that Israeli officials admitted that arms had been sold to Tehran and Khomeini himself had approved of the arms deal with Israel.
Why did Iraq go to war with Iran?
There are two main motives ascribed to Saddam Husayn's decision to invade Iran in 1980. One motive is that he invaded for geopolitical gain when international factors worked in his favor. The other is that he invaded to prevent Iran from fo- menting revolution in Iraq.
What was Iran before the revolution?
Functioning again as a leading world power, this time amongst the neighbouring Ottoman Empire, its arch-rival for centuries, Iran had been a monarchy ruled by an emperor almost without interruption from 1501 until the 1979 Iranian Revolution, when Iran officially became an Islamic republic on 1 April 1979.
What was Iran called before the revolution?
In the Western world, Persia (or one of its cognates) was historically the common name used for Iran. On the Nowruz of 1935, Reza Shah officially asked foreign delegates to use the Persian term Iran (meaning the land of Aryans in Persian), the endonym of the country, in formal correspondence.
Was Iran a monarchy before the revolution?
The dynasty ruled Iran for 28 years as a form of constitutional monarchy from 1925 until 1953, and following the overthrow of the democratically elected prime minister, for a further 26 years as a more autocratic monarchy until the dynasty was itself overthrown in 1979.
Who was the leader of Iran in 1920?
Reza Shah introduced many social, economic, and political reforms during his reign, ultimately laying the foundation of the modern Iranian state....Reza Shah.Reza Shah PahlaviMilitary careerAllegianceSublime State of Persia Imperial State of IranService/branchPersian Cossack BrigadeYears of service1894–192130 more rows
List of presidents of Iran - Wikipedia
Background. After the Iranian Revolution of 1979 and referendum to create the Islamic Republic on March 29 and 30, the new government needed to craft a new constitution. Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, ordered an election for the Assembly of Experts, the body tasked with writing the constitution. The assembly presented the constitution on October 24, 1979, and Supreme Leader Ruhollah Khomeini and ...
The Supreme Leader Of Iran - WorldAtlas
The Supreme Leader of Iran, better known in Iran as the Supreme Leadership Authority, is the highest ranking religious and political leader in the country, and the Head of State of Iran.The Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran established the post of the Supreme Leader. The office of the supreme leader is more powerful than the office of the president. The supreme leader is responsible ...
Who was the first Iranian president?
Until the early election on July 24, 1981, the duties of the president were undertaken by the Provisional Presidential Council. Mohammad-Ali Rajai was elected president on July 24, 1981 and took office on August 2. Rajai remained in office for less than one month, with both he and his prime minister being assassinated on August 30, 1981. Once again, a Provisional Presidential Council filled the office until October 13, 1981 when Ali Khamenei was elected president.
When did the Iranian Revolution happen?
After the Iranian Revolution of 1979 and referendum to create the Islamic Republic on March 29 and 30, the new government needed to craft a new constitution. Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, ordered an election for the Assembly of Experts, the body tasked with writing the constitution. The assembly presented the constitution on October 24, 1979, ...
When was the prime minister removed?
The post of prime minister was abolished in 1989.
Who is the current president of Iran?
The president of Iran is the highest popularly elected official in the country. The current president is Hassan Rouhani, since 3 August 2013
What is the most learned and talented leader in the world?
Article 107 in the constitution mentions Khomeini by name and praises him as the most learned and talented leader for emulation ( marja-i taqlid ). The responsibilities of the Supreme Leader are vaguely stated in the constitution, thus any 'violation' by the Supreme Leader would be dismissed almost immediately.
What is the power of the Supreme Leader of Iran?
According to the Constitution, the powers of government in the Islamic Republic of Iran are vested in the legislature, the judiciary, and the executive powers , functioning under the supervision of the Supreme Leader. The style "Supreme Leader" ( Persian: رهبر معظم , romanized : rahbar-e mo'azzam) is commonly used as a sign ...
What was Khomeini's role model?
He became a very popular role model for Shiites and hope d for the Iranian Revolution to be the first step to a much larger Islamic revolution, transcending Shia Islam, in the same way that Vladimir Lenin and Leon Trotsky wanted their revolution to be a world revolution, not just a Russian one .
What is the constitution of Iran?
The constitution of Iran combines concepts of both democracy and theocracy, theocracy in the form of Khomeini's concept of vilayat-e faqih (Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist), as expressed in the Islamic Republic.
What is the name of the organization that resolves problems that cannot be solved by conventional methods?
Resolving the problems, which cannot be solved by conventional methods, through the Nation's Expediency Discernment Council.
What is the supreme judicial authority of Iran?
the supreme judicial authority of the country. ministers of defense, intelligence, foreign affairs, and science. the head of the radio and television network of the Islamic Republic of Iran. the chief of the joint staff. the chief commander of the armed forces of the country. the highest commanders of the armed forces.
What are the functions, powers, and duties of the Supreme Leader?
Functions, powers, and duties of the Supreme Leader. Duties and Powers given to the Supreme Leader by the Constitution, decrees and other laws are: Delineation of the general policies of the Islamic Republic of Iran in consultation with the Nation's Expediency Discernment Council.
What happened to Khamenei in 1981?
He served as the Deputy Minister of Defense. In 1981, he survived an assassination attempt that left his right arm permanently paralyzed. In 1981, the president of Iran was assassinated and Khamenei was elected president.
What is the role of the Supreme Leader?
The supreme leader is responsible for appointing senior officials in the military, judiciary, and the civil government. Initially, the Constitution reserved the office for the highest ranking cleric on religious laws, in 1989, the constitution was amended to allow lower ranking clerics with proficiency in Islamic laws to occupy the office.
Who was the second Supreme Leader of Iran?
Ali Hosseini Khamenei. Ali Hosseini Khamenei became Iran’s second Supreme Leader in 1989 following the death of Ruhollah Khomeini. Before his political life, Khamenei taught in religious schools under the supervision of Ruhollah Khomeini. After the resignation of Hussein-Ali, Khomeini appointed Khamenei to the post of post ...
When did Khomeini return to Iran?
In November 1964, Khomeini was arrested and jailed for six months. He was later exiled to Iraq. On February 1, 1979, he returned to Iran and was received by a large crowd. In 1979, a new constitution was adopted, and Khomeini was instituted as the Supreme Leader.
Who was the leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran?
Ruhollah Khomeini was an Iranian revolutionary and religious leader. He was essential in the founding of the Islamic Republic of Iran in 1979 by assisting in the overthrow of the Pahlavi monarchy which was led by Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.
When was Khomeini reelected?
In 1985, he was reelected as the president. After Khomeini’s death, the Assembly of Experts him as a temporary Supreme Leader. On August 6th, 1989, he was confirmed as the new official Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, a position he has held ever since.
Who was the first leader of Iran?
The first was Ruhollah Khomeini, who became Iran’s Supreme Leader immediately following the Iranian Revolution, occupying the office from 1979 until his death a decade later. The incumbent Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, took charge of the office shortly thereafter in 1989.
What are the responsibilities of the President?
Powers and responsibilities. Presidential Guard. The President's duties include the following, subject to supervision and approval by the Supreme Leader: Second in command (after Supreme Leader) of the executive branch of government and chairman of the cabinet.
What happens when the President of Iran dies?
According to the Iranian constitution, when the President dies or is impeached, a special provisional Presidential Council temporarily rules in his place until an election can be held. The President automatically becomes the Head of the Supreme National Security Council and the Head of the Supreme Council of Cultural Revolution .
What does the council reject?
However, the council rejects the criticism, citing approval of so-called reformists in previous elections. The council rejects most of the candidates stating that they are not "a well-known political figure", a requirement by the current law. The President must be elected with a simple majority of the popular vote.
How many presidential candidates were approved in 1997?
In the 1997 election, for example, only four out of 238 presidential candidates were approved by the council.
What does the President do?
The President functions as the executive of the decrees and wishes of the Supreme Leader, including: signing treaties with foreign countries and international organizations; and administering national planning, budget, and state employment affairs.
How many members are there in the Council of Guardians?
Candidates for the presidency must be approved by the Council of Guardians, a twelve-member body consisting of six clerics (selected by Iran's Supreme Leader) and six lawyers (proposed by the Supreme Leader-appointed head of Iran's judicial system, and voted in by the Parliament).
What is the role of the president of Iran?
The president functions as the executive of the decrees and wishes of the Supreme Leader, including: signing treaties with foreign countries and international organizations; and administering national planning, budget, and state employment affairs. The president also appoints the ministers, subject to the approval of Parliament, and also the Supreme Leader who can dismiss or reinstate any of the ministers and vice presidents at any time, regardless of the president or parliament's decision. The Supreme Leader also directly chooses the ministers of Defense, Intelligence, Foreign Affairs, Interior as well as certain other ministries, such as the Science Ministry. Iran's regional policy is directly controlled by the office of the Supreme Leader with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ task limited to protocol and ceremonial occasions. All of Iran's ambassadors to Arab countries, for example, are chosen by the Quds Corps, which directly reports to the Supreme Leader.
Is Iran The Same As Persia?
The term Persia is an exonym: it is an external name for the country given by people speaking a different language. Iranians never really referred to Iran by that name: they knew it as Iran or Iranshahr, which is the name of the country in Persian.
What Does The Word Shah Mean?
In the 15th century, "Shah" (pronounced [ʃɒːh]), meaning "King of a specific kingdom," became the continuously used term. Some regional monarchs were even recorded in history by a contraction of the kingdom's name with "shah" such as Khwarezmshah or the Shirvanshah.
Is There A Shah In Iran In The 21st Century?
Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, Shahanshah of Iran, was the last ruler to hold the title of Shah from 1941 to 1979. His exile in 1979 ended 2,500 years of monarchy in Iran, replaced by an Islamic system that is still in charge today.
Who Is The Most Famous Fictional Shah In The World?
Arabian Nights, or 1000 and 1 nights of Scheherazade, is the most well-known collection of the Middle East tales and folklore. Shahryar of the Arabian Nights is the fictional Persian Shah, who is told stories by his wife for 1001 nights.
What Does Shah Have To Do With Chess?
Checkmate it the ultimate sign of victory in contemporary society, but its roots come from the Persians. The phrase "Shah Mat" meant "the King is dead," or "the King is helpless," and was used by the Persians in their game ''chatrang'', the ancestor to chess. When the Moors conquered the Iberian Peninsula, the chess was brought to Europe and the endgame declaration was transliterated to "checkmate."
Is There A Message From The Shah Of Iran On The Moon?
In 1969, the last Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza, sent one of 73 Apollo 11 Goodwill Messages to NASA for the first lunar landing. The message still rests on the lunar surface today. He stated: "we pray the Almighty God to guide mankind towards ever-increasing success in the establishment of culture, knowledge and human civilization."
What are some interesting facts about the Shah of Iran?
Eight Facts About the Shah of Iran. Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the last leader to hold the title of "Shah". The heart of the Middle East antiquity, the First Persian (Iranian) Empire was founded by Cyrus the Great in 550 after he took Babylon from the Babylonians. Since then, Iran's long and turbulent history had many rulers, kings, and emperors.
What was the role of Rafsanjani in the 1989 presidential election?
After Ayatollah Khomeini's death and Khamenei's rise to the position of Supreme Leader of Iran ( in which Rafsanjani played a crucial role), Rafsanjani opted to compete in the 1989 Presidential elections. Rafsanjani supports a free market position domestically as well as privatization of state owned assets such as oil companies.
Why was Banisadr chosen as the first President of Iran?
Returning to Iran in 1979 to take part in the Islamic Revolution, Banisadr was seemingly hand-picked as the first President of Iran due to his close ties with Khomeini.
What is Islamic Theocracy?
An Islamic Theocracy is the form of government currently in place in Iran. This kind of government is one in which religious figures retain the rights of leadership, even superseding the power of elected Presidents. This form of government came into effect shortly after the 1979 Islamic Revolution of Iran and was lead by Ayatollah Khomeini ...
How many votes did Rajai get?
After Banisad's impeachment, Rajai nominated himself for the 1981 Presidential elections (with Ayatollah Khomeini`s endorsement) and won 13 million out of 14.3 million votes (91%). Officially sworn in as President of Iran on the 2nd of August 1981, Rajai was assassinated on 30 August the same year.
What was the first time Khamenei was elected?
Khamenei's election marked the first time an Islamic Cleric had been elected to the office of the President in Iran. His first Presidential speech was a sign of things to come, with Khamenei claiming he would eliminate deviation (from Islam), liberalism, and American-influenced culture as well as political ideals.
Why is Ahmadinejad criticized?
Ahmadinejad has also been criticized for his hostility towards other nations such as the United States of America, Saudi Arabia, Israel, as well as other Arab nations within the region.
What is Rafsanjani's political position?
He was also known for a moderate political position internationally (he wishes for Iran to avoid conflict with the United States of America) compared to other Iranian Presidents before him.

Overview
The Supreme Leader of Iran (Persian: رهبر معظم ایران, romanized: rahbar-e mo'azzam-e irān (listen)), also referred to as Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution (رهبر معظم انقلاب اسلامی, rahbar-e mo'azzam-e enqelāb-e eslāmi), but officially called the Supreme Leadership Authority (مقام معظم رهبری, maqām mo'azzam rahbari), is the head of state and the highest political and religious a…
Mandate and status
The Supreme Leader of Iran is elected by the Assembly of Experts (مجلس خبرگان, Majles-e Khobregan), which is also the only government body in charge of choosing and dismissing Supreme Leaders of Iran.
The Supreme Leader is the commander-in-chief of the armed forces and the provisional head of the three branches of the state (the Judiciary, the Legislature, and the Executive).
Incorporation in the Constitution
In March 1979, shortly after Ruhollah Khomeini's return from exile and the overthrow of Iran's monarchy, a national referendum was held throughout Iran with the question "Islamic Republic, yes or no?". Although some groups objected to the wording and choice and boycotted the referendum, 98% of those voting voted "yes". Following this landslide victory, the constitution of Iran of 1906 was declared invalid and a new constitution for an Islamic state was created and ra…
Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist (Velayat-e faqih)
The constitution of Iran combines concepts of both democracy and theocracy, theocracy in the form of Khomeini's concept of vilayat-e faqih (Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist), as expressed in the Islamic Republic. According to Ayatollah Khomeini, the Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist was not restricted to orphans or mental incompetents, but applied to everyone in absence of the twelfth Imam. …
Functions, powers, and duties of the Supreme Leader
Duties and Powers given to the Supreme Leader by the Constitution, decrees and other laws are:
1. Delineation of the general policies of the Islamic Republic of Iran in consultation with the Nation's Expediency Discernment Council.
2. Supervision over the proper execution of the general policies of the systems.
The Vice Supreme Leader
Iranian vice supreme leader role (Deputy Supreme leader) was incorporated into the authority of the supreme leader.
• Ayatollah Hussein-Ali Montazeri (10 November 1985 – 13 March 1989)
During the presidency of Hassan Rouhani, amid longstanding rumors of Khamenei's declining health, it was recommended to Khamenei to reestablish the office of deputy supreme leader to t…
See also
• List of heads of state of Iran
• List of provincial representatives appointed by Supreme Leader of Iran
• Execution of Imam Khomeini's Order
• Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran