The West’s Misjudgment of Ali Khamenei’s Influence

Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader of Iran, exemplified the ideological absolutist, consistently promoting his worldview over 35 years in power. He institutionalized Holocaust denial, used inflammatory rhetoric against Israel, and maintained a hostile stance toward the United States, reflecting a deep-seated ideological commitment rather than strategic pragmatism. Khamenei’s regime, marked by a strong military and proxy networks, diverged from the views of many Iranians who protested against his leadership. His legacy now poses challenges for his successors.

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