The funeral for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who led Iran for over three decades, commenced on Saturday and is expected to continue for several days. Khamenei’s death, which occurred months ago amidst the US-Israeli conflict, marks the end of an era defined by his confrontational stance towards both Israel and the United States.

Khamenei assumed leadership in 1989 following the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the architect of Iran’s Islamic Revolution. Despite being perceived as a less commanding figure with weaker religious credentials, he managed to consolidate Iran’s revolutionary system around clerical governance, all while fostering armed groups throughout the region and advancing the nation’s nuclear ambitions.

Impact on Regional Dynamics

Following the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s, Khamenei strengthened the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, transforming it into a dominant military and economic entity within Iran. Under his leadership, the nation shifted its military focus away from conventional warfare, opting instead to bolster proxy forces and establish what was termed the “Axis of Resistance.” This network included influential groups such as Hezbollah in Lebanon, which successfully expelled Israeli forces from southern Lebanon in 2000. Additionally, Iran provided support to the Houthi rebels in Yemen and the Gaza-based group Hamas.

However, the recent battles ignited by Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, have contributed to the weakening of this “Axis of Resistance” and left both Hamas and Hezbollah in a precarious situation. The Iranian regime has long contended that its military support extended to these groups was both a defensive strategy and a means of establishing regional influence.

Khamenei’s unwavering support for Iran’s nuclear programme persisted despite enduring international sanctions and pressure. Although he issued a fatwa declaring that the possession of nuclear weapons was un-Islamic, Khamenei maintained that Iran’s pursuit of nuclear energy was justified. Following the 2015 nuclear deal, which temporarily limited Iran’s uranium enrichment in exchange for sanctions relief, the nation resumed its nuclear activities after the US withdrawal from the agreement in 2018.

Domestic Challenges and Unrest

Khamenei’s leadership experienced ongoing domestic challenges, with multiple instances of unrest related to political repression and economic struggles. The 2009 protests erupted following allegations of electoral fraud against President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, resulting in a substantial crackdown. Subsequent waves of economic protests occurred in 2017 and 2019, while demonstrations surged in 2022 after the death of Mahsa Amini in custody.

Recent protests in late 2025 escalated into significant movements against the Islamic Republic, reportedly resulting in thousands of casualties due to harsh government responses. Activists claim that at least 7,000 individuals were killed during the crackdowns, highlighting the ongoing tension between the state and its citizens.

The death of Khamenei introduces uncertainty regarding the Islamic Republic’s future direction. Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, his son, has been named the prospective successor; however, reports suggest he may have sustained injuries during the attacks that led to his father’s death, and he remains out of the public eye. As the nation grieves Khamenei, hardliners reportedly maintain a presence on Tehran’s streets, signalling ongoing stability concerns within the regime.

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