Iran held a state funeral for its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, marking not only his death but also the end of an era that shaped the country’s political and institutional foundations for nearly four decades. Khamenei, who assumed leadership in 1989 after the Iran-Iraq war, centralized power across the armed forces, judiciary, state media, and key appointments.

Under his leadership, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) became a dominant force in Iran’s security, politics, and economy. Khamenei’s insistence on Iran’s right to enrich uranium, while denying any intent to build nuclear weapons, led to repeated U.S. and European sanctions. His regional strategy of supporting allied governments and resistance groups expanded Iran’s influence but deepened tensions with Gulf Arab states and the United States.

Khamenei was killed on February 28, 2026, during the first day of conflict with the United States and Israel. Iranian officials described the assassination as an attack on the nation’s heart, while many followers fear his death could weaken the current system of governance.