1. Introduction of Ayatollah Khamenei and Khomeini’s Relationship

Understanding the Legacy Link Between Two Pillars of Iran’s Islamic Revolution

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the Khomeini Revolution Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is the Supreme Leader of Iran and is the most powerful person in the country’s politics and religion. His rise to this position was greatly affected by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who started the Islamic Republic of Iran. The link between Khamenei and Khomeini was not just about politics; it was also about their ideas, plans, and the big changes that happened in Iran in 1979.

Feature	Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini	Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
Title	Supreme Leader (1979–1989)	Supreme Leader (1989–present)
Role in Revolution	Leader and Architect	Disciple and Supporter
Religious Rank at Time of SL	Grand Ayatollah (Marja’)	Hojjatoleslam → Ayatollah
Political Position Before SL	Revolutionary Leader	President of Iran (1981–1989)
Relationship to Each Other	Mentor & Ideological Guide	Loyal Follower & Successor

2. Loyal Supporter and Successor The Start:

How Ayatollah Khamenei Met Khomeini In the early 1960s, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei met Ayatollah Khomeini when Iran’s religious leaders were starting to oppose the Shah. Khamenei, a young religious leader and speaker, was motivated by Khomeini’s brave opposition to the Pahlavi government. Khamenei started translating Khomeini’s speeches and writings to help share the idea of Islamic leadership.

2.1 Important Moments in Their Early Relationship:

1962–1963: Khamenei backs Khomeini’s fight against the Shah’s White Revolution.

In the 1970s, Khamenei was arrested several times by SAVAK, the secret police of the Shah, for promoting Khomeini’s ideas.

1979: After the revolution, Khomeini gives Khamenei important jobs.

2.2 Helping in Politics and Religion

Khomeini was a spiritual guide for Khamenei, especially in the early days of the Islamic Republic. While Khomeini was a very important religious leader, Khamenei had not achieved that same level of authority. Despite this, because of his loyalty, intelligence, and passion for change, Khomeini prepared Khamenei for more important tasks.

Ayatollah Khamenei’s rise to power during Khomeini’s time.

Year	Position	Appointed By
1979	Member of Revolutionary Council	Ayatollah Khomeini
1980	Tehran Representative in Assembly of Experts	Khomeini-backed clerical leadership
1981	President of Iran (after assassination of Rajaei)	Popular vote, Khomeini’s endorsement
1985	Reappointed President	Again under Khomeini’s guidance

 

3. Khomeini’s Impact on Khamenei’s Beliefs

The idea of Velayat-e Faqih (the rule of Islamic leaders), introduced by Khomeini, became the basis for Khamenei’s way of governing. After he became Supreme Leader in 1989, Khamenei developed this idea into a more controlled and powerful system.

3.1 Common Beliefs Feeling Negative Toward the West:

Both leaders did not trust the West, particularly the United States and Israel.

Support for Islamic Groups: Both supported groups like Hezbollah and Hamas.

Focus on Islamic Governance: Both thought that mixing religion and government was the best way to lead.

4. Khamenei’s Appointment as Supreme Leader

After Khomeini died in June 1989, the Assembly of Experts chose Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to be the new Supreme Leader. This was a disputed decision because Khamenei was not a Grand Ayatollah then. However, Khomeini had already shown trust in Khamenei’s ability to lead, which was the reason for choosing him.

4.1 The Change:

Khomeini’s Will: While he didn’t directly name someone to take over, he liked Khamenei’s calm and loyal approach.

The Assembly of Experts, guided by cleric Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, chose to support Khamenei because Khomeini trusted him.

4.2 Did Khomeini support Khamenei?

Even though there wasn’t a formal written approval, many records show that Khomeini believed in Khamenei and thought he was a good leader. Rafsanjani and other religious leaders often mentioned that Khomeini supported Khamenei’s leadership and loyalty to the revolution.

5. Research and History Facts

Here are the sources and information used in historical research about this topic:

Source	Key Contribution
Ervand Abrahamian – A History of Modern Iran	Describes Khamenei’s rise during the revolution.
Shaul Bakhash – The Reign of the Ayatollahs	Offers insights into the early Khomeini-Khamenei relationship.
Official speeches and archives of Khamenei.ir	Provide direct quotes from both leaders.
BBC Persian Archives	Detail the 1989 transition and Assembly of Experts decision.

 

6. Legacy: Khomeini’s Influence on Khamenei’s Leadership

Khamenei has been in charge of Iran for more than thirty years, and his authority and way of ruling are strongly influenced by Khomeini’s ideas. In his speeches, Khamenei often calls “Imam Khomeini” the guiding light of the revolution.

6.1 Long-Term Effects:

Khamenei turned Khomeini’s ideas into laws and security rules in Iran.

The government news shows Khamenei as the guardian of Khomeini’s ideas.

Successor Strategy: Khamenei is likely to choose someone who shows loyalty and shares revolutionary beliefs, similar to the way he was chosen.

Conclusion:

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Ayatollah Khomeini had a close relationship based on shared beliefs, guidance in religion, and a plan for leadership. Without Khomeini, Khamenei might not have been able to become a leader. Without Khamenei, Khomeini’s idea of leadership might not have continued in the same strict way. This long-lasting relationship influenced Iran’s political path and still affects its future.