Wars, politics & history

Death of Ali Khamenei

28 February 2026

Ali Khamenei died on 28 February 2026 in Tehran, aged 86. An Iranian Shia cleric and politician, Khamenei took part in the movement against the Shah and later served in the Islamic Republic's first governments. He was elected president in 1981, after the assassination of his predecessor, and survived a bomb attack that left his right arm paralyzed. After the death of Ruhollah Khomeini in 1989 he was chosen as Supreme Leader, holding ultimate authority over the armed forces, the judiciary and state media. His long tenure was marked by confrontation with the United States and Israel, disputes over Iran's nuclear programme, and repeated crackdowns on protests. According to the dates provided, he held the position until his death in 2026.

Open on the timeline

Before and after

More in Wars, politics & history

The era

This moment belongs to the Contemporary world (1945 CE to today), the world since 1945. You can also browse everything in the 21st century.