- By Ajeet Kumar
- Fri, 09 Jan 2026 02:59 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
With Iran's anti-government unrest evolving rapidly and foreign pressure mounting, the clerical establishment appears unable, for now, to tackle what has become a crisis of legitimacy at the heart of the Islamic Republic. The demonstrations, which began in Tehran last month, have spread to all of Iran's 31 provinces but have yet to reach the scale of the 2022-23 unrest sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini while in detention for allegedly violating Islamic dress codes.
Khamenei: A man who drove all pressures
But this time, the centre of criticism is Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has been facing constant pressure from the US administration ever since Israel and Gaza were involved in a full-fledged war. Amid spiralling protests, US President Donald Trump asserted to intervene if Khamenei orders any brutal action against protesters. Some media reports also claimed he is planning to flee Tehran. However, according to local media news, he is about to appear on national television.
Notably, this is not the first time Khamenei has faced public burn or the wrath of world leaders. However, every time, he remained safe and has been ruling the Islamic Republic.
From jail to power
Born in 1939, Ali Khamenei was jailed for many years under the Shah of Iran, who was supported by the United States, because of his revolutionary ideas. He was a close ally of former Supreme Leader of Iran Ruhollah Khomeini, and this helped him rise quickly after the 1979 Islamic Revolution. He did not have the highest religious qualifications, but he became Iran's president in the 1980s. After Khomeini's death in 1989, he was surprisingly chosen as the new Supreme Leader.
Man with $95 billion empire
According to a report by news agency Reuters found that Khamenei controls about $95 billion in assets through an organisation called Setad. This group owns businesses in oil, banking, telecommunications, and even ostrich farming. As per the report, Khamenei does not take money for himself, but Setad helps his government stay strong economically. It has been accused of taking property from minorities and people who left Iran using unfair legal methods.
Head of Iran's proxy groups
Khamenei built Iran's "Axis of Resistance"- a network of allied groups in the region, including Hezbollah in Lebanon, Houthi rebels in Yemen, militias in Iraq, and Hamas in Gaza. This gives Iran influence without fighting direct wars. However, recent Israeli attacks in Gaza and Syria have badly damaged this network.
The IRGC: Much more than an Army
Under Khamenei, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has become a powerful military and business force. It controls Iran's missiles and drones, and runs operations in other countries through its Quds Force. In return for their loyalty, Khamenei gives the IRGC a lot of freedom and power. Not the President, But the Real BossIran's presidents, like Ahmadinejad or Raisi, get a lot of attention, but Khamenei makes the big decisions. He has full control over the army, foreign policy, courts, and even decides who can run in elections.
Rarely seen, but always in charge
Khamenei makes a few public appearances, and his movements are protected by a special IRGC unit. During recent Israeli strikes on Tehran, reports said he was moved to a secure bunker so he could still communicate with military leaders. According to media reports, even when he is out of sight, his control over the country remains strong.
(With inputs from agency)