Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

Hardliners in Tehran are running the show while the Iran's supreme leader watches - opinion

Many believe Iran is currently operating with four overlapping centers of authority – and that each is vying for supreme power.

IRGC CHIEF Ahmad Vahidi (center in black) prays with mourners for Iran’s slain supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during the second day of funeral ceremonies at the Grand Mosalla in Tehran, in July 2026.
Smoke rises following an Israeli strike on a metal foundry in Gaza City, July 12, 2026.

Israel kills Hamas terrorists in Gaza, IDF soldier sentenced after accused of spying for Iran

Smoke rises following an airstrike after Yemen's defense ministry said that its armed forces had targeted the runway at Sanaa International Airport, in Sanaa, Yemen, July 13, 2026.

Iran’s mystery flight to Yemen: What do we know about the planes landing in Sana'a? - explainer

A US Air Force F-35A stealth fighter jet is refueled over the Middle East, July 12, 2026.

Iranian strikes reported across region as Trump threatens to strike power plants, bridges


Live Updates: Sa'ar says Hamas to 'remain the dominant military' in Gaza even after dissolution

Defense Minister threatens Iranian regime during Khamenei's funeral • Hamas begins dissolving its Gaza government • Iran targeted civilians as tactic of war, new report pushes IRGC accountability

A woman reacts while holding a portrait of Iran's slain Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei as they gather and wait for his funeral procession at Ferdowsi Square in Tehran July 6, 2026.

Yemen condemns Iran for operating flight to transport Houthis to Khamenei's funeral in Tehran

Yemen's president argued that allowing international flights without the government's approval set a dangerous precedent, bypassed legitimate institutions, and exacerbated Yemen's political division.

HOUTHI SUPPORTERS hold up weapons as they demonstrate in Sanaa, Yemen, to show solidarity with Lebanon, after a 10-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel went into effect, April 17, 2026.

The Gulf wants to end attacks from Iraq, but will it influence Baghdad before Iran does? - analysis

Tehran's more recent expansion of attacks toward the Gulf shows a broader Iranian strategy and proves how Iran made Iraq a frontline.

 Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, US President Donald Trump, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman and Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa attend a group photo session with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) leaders in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, May 14, 2025.

Tehran's theater of mourning: What Khamenei's funeral tells us about Iran's next move - analysis

Iran is burying its former leader in a week-long ceremony. Will it now use the boost to try to claw back its influence across the Middle East?

People gather at the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla for a farewell ceremony for Iran's late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on July 4, 2026 in Tehran, Iran. Khamenei and members of his family were killed on February 28 during U.S.-Israeli strikes at the beginning of the war, bringing an end to his 36-year rule.

Iran to pursue legal action against Israel, US over Khamenei assassination, official says - report

"The process of filing a complaint after collecting evidence and documentation has begun and is being followed up," the Iranian government spokeswoman told reporters.

Shi'ite mourners walk past a banner depicting Iran's late Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as they mark Ashura, the holiest day on the Shi'ite Muslim calendar, in the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon, June 26, 2026.

Iranians chant 'kill Trump' as second day of Khamenei's week-long funeral continues in Tehran

The funeral began on Saturday in Tehran with chants of "death to America, death to Israel," and his body is expected to be taken to Qom, Najaf and Kerbala, the great Shi'ite centers of Iran and Iraq.

Mourners gather at the Grand Mosalla to pay their final respects to Iran's former supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran on July 5, 2026.

'Kill Trump, Bibi' chants heard in Tehran, Regev confirms Israel sent UAE Iron Dome during Iran war

Cargo vessel under attack by 'unknown assailants' off Yemen's coast, UKMTO says • Trump, Netanyahu discuss possible White House visit • Former Israeli amb. to US calls MoU 'massive surrender to Iran'

US President Donald Trump speaks at a Fourth of July rally, marking the 250th anniversary of US independence, on the National Mall in Washington, DC, US, July 4, 2026.

Iran bars Mojtaba Khamenei from attending father's funeral over assassination concern

The current Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei was one of the main absences in the funeral, while he hasn't been seen in the public eye since he was wounded at the begining of the war.

Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev pays his respects to Iran's late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran, Iran July 3, 2026.

Khamenei lies in state as Iran opens week of funeral rites

Iran is staging a week of mass funeral processions for Khamenei, whose 37-year reign was brought to an end in February by the first airstrike of the war.

Mourners carry a coffin during a symbolic funeral procession for Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, following his death in Israeli and U.S. airstrikes, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Najaf, Iraq March 3, 2026.

Iran’s opposition, diaspora must remain united during protest week - comment

If the regime wants to use Khamenei’s funeral to present unity, Iranians abroad must use the same week to show that unity belongs to the people, not to the Islamic Republic.

A protestor demonstrates against the Islamic Republic of Iran, while wearing an Iranian pre-revolutionary flag, outside Los Angeles Stadium ahead of the Iranian national soccer team’s World Cup match on June 15, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.