Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
Coverage of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the Nexus archive.
- Trump’s secret flight switch indicates severity of assassination threat by Iran
The article reports that the US administration’s elaborate flight ruse involving Donald Trump indicates a severe threat from Iran, even as experts note Iran lost top leaders in war. This heightened concern followed joint US-Israeli strikes in February which killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior Iranian officials.
- An Angry Trump Struggles to Understand Iran’s Defiant Leaders
Trump is angry and struggles to understand Iran's defiant leaders. Mourners in Tehran held a funeral for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, killed in an airstrike that started the U.S.-Iran war in February.
- Man convicted in terrorism trial over the 2022 stabbing of author Salman Rushdie
Hadi Matar was convicted of federal terrorism charges for the 2022 stabbing of Salman Rushdie, who was injured during a public event. Prosecutors claimed Matar's actions were motivated by a 1989 fatwa against Rushdie for his novel 'The Satanic Verses,' while Matar's defense argued there was no evidence of his intent. Matar is already serving a 25-year state prison sentence for the attack and faces a potential life sentence from the federal conviction.
- Man convicted in terrorism trial over the 2022 stabbing of author Salman Rushdie
Hadi Matar was convicted of federal terrorism charges for the 2022 stabbing of author Salman Rushdie. The conviction is linked to a fatwa issued by the late Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini over Rushdie's novel 'The Satanic Verses.'
- Houthis weigh fees on commercial ships crossing Bab al-Mandeb
Yemen’s Houthis are considering charging fees for commercial vessels passing through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a strategic waterway connecting the Gulf of Aden to the Red Sea. The proposal follows a recent maritime blockade of Saudi Arabia and discussions with Iranian representatives during a Houthi visit to Iran.
- The American Commentator Making Excuses for Iran
Max Blumenthal, an American commentator, defended Iran's Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the Iranian regime after visiting the country, comparing Khamenei's assassination to a hypothetical attack on the pope. The article links Blumenthal to a history of pro-authoritarian advocacy, citing his appearances on state-funded media from Iran, Russia, and other nations, and his founding of a website with ties to Kremlin-backed outlets.
- Iran-Iraq-Pakistan ‘axis of sympathy’ signals a reshaping Southwest Asia
The funeral of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Mashhad saw international delegations, with the choice of representatives potentially signaling alliances. The article highlights an emerging 'axis of sympathy' among Iran, Iraq, and Pakistan, suggesting a geopolitical shift in Southwest Asia.
- Iran’s post-war gamble on the young
Iran is leveraging the aftermath of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's assassination to reinvigorate the Islamic Revolution, with state-organized mourning rituals and public displays of unity. Post-funeral, the country has seen relaxed social restrictions, including dress code enforcement and mixed-gender gatherings, as the regime seeks to align with younger generations.
- Clausewitz on Operation Epic Fury
The ceasefire in the U.S. campaign against Iran, Operation Epic Fury, has collapsed after Iran attacked commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. retaliated with strikes, leading to sustained combat, blockades, and attacks on multiple countries, while analysts apply Clausewitz’s principles to assess the war’s strategic design.
- Did fear of US force Indonesia’s ‘slap in the face’ to Iran?
Indonesia sent only its ambassador to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's funeral in Tehran, prompting criticism as a 'slap in the face' to Iran. A former Indonesian ambassador questioned whether Washington's influence shaped Jakarta's minimal presence, highlighting tensions in President Prabowo Subianto's foreign policy.
- The US and Iran have blown past red lines as they lurch back toward all-out war
The U.S. and Iran have escalated tensions following a drone attack on a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, leading to a series of strikes and counterstrikes that have undermined a preliminary peace agreement. Both sides have crossed red lines, with Iran attacking ships using an alternative route and the U.S. targeting missile sites, increasing the likelihood of a return to full-scale war.
- The US and Iran have blown past red lines as they lurch back toward all-out war
The US and Iran have escalated tensions following a failed preliminary peace deal, with Iran attacking a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz and both sides exchanging strikes, leading to the collapse of the agreement and increased risk of full-scale war. The conflict involved attacks on ships, US strikes on Iranian military sites, and Iran retaliating against Gulf states hosting US troops.
- He’s the high bailiff of Orange County, Vermont. Now, he’s in Iran — and saluting its ‘holy war’ with the US
Chris Helali, high bailiff of Orange County, Vermont, traveled to Iran to attend Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's state funeral and posted a social media message saluting Iran's 'holy war' against the U.S. Helali, an academic and journalist living in Moscow, claimed to be the only U.S. public official present at the funeral and described his attendance as part of his 'ceremonial duties.'
- Inside Khamenei's funeral: Revealing moments from a week of mourning
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader, was buried on 9 July 2026 after a week-long funeral following his death in a US-Israeli strike in February. His son Mojtaba Khamenei succeeded him, and millions attended ceremonies in Iran and Iraq, with events highlighting political messages and internal dynamics.
- Inside Khamenei's funeral: Revealing moments from a week of mourning
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's funeral in Iran revealed political tensions, including controversial Quranic verses recited during ceremonies. His son Mojtaba Khamenei succeeded him, and the event highlighted internal dynamics within Iran's leadership. The choice of verses, such as Surah Al Imran 13 for Saudi delegates, sparked criticism as perceived political messaging.
- Iran war: What's behind the regime's 'revenge propaganda'?
Calls for revenge over the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei are increasing in Iran. The leadership is using harsh rhetoric to mobilize domestic supporters and issue warnings to foreign adversaries.
- Back to war
The US and Iran have escalated tensions after a tentative ceasefire collapsed, with the US resuming a blockade and Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz. Renewed strikes and retaliatory actions, including US attacks on civilian infrastructure and Iran's strikes on Gulf bases, have pushed the situation toward renewed conflict. The death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Trump's escalatory rhetoric further strained relations, complicating peace talks.
- Ex-Iran president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said to be under house arrest over reported Israeli contacts
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, former Iran president, is under house arrest by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps following allegations of involvement in a failed Israeli plot to replace Iran's theocratic regime. The report cites the Revolutionary Guard Corps' action as a response to reported Israeli contacts.
- Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen say Saudi airstrikes hit Sanaa International Airport
Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen claimed Saudi airstrikes hit Sanaa International Airport, while Yemen's government stated the strikes aimed to prevent an Iranian plane from landing after a Houthi delegation attended Iran's Supreme Leader's funeral. The Houthis said the plane rerouted to Hodeida Airport, and the Yemeni defense ministry warned of retaliation against the airstrikes.
- A timeline of the Iran conflict and talks aimed at ending it
The United States and Iran have exchanged strikes amid ongoing conflict, with Trump indicating negotiations may end. An interim deal aims to resolve the war, but tensions persist over Iran's control of the Strait of Hormuz and continued violence in Lebanon. Key events include Israel's attacks, Hezbollah's involvement, and failed ceasefire attempts.
- The week in pictures: Le Pen's comeback, Khamenei's funeral and Mbappé's wondergoal
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen was cleared to run in next year's presidential election despite a confirmed embezzlement conviction. Iran held days-long funeral ceremonies for slain supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, while Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi delivered standout performances to advance their teams to the World Cup semi-finals.
- US, Iran Trade Wave of Attacks as Tehran Says Hormuz Closed
The US and Iran are exchanging attacks along the Strait of Hormuz as Iran begins funeral ceremonies for its late leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in February during the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran. A provisional ceasefire has halted attacks on major cities like Tehran, but strikes continue in the critical waterway.
- Mixed messaging
The US and Iran are engaging in technical talks in Oman to maintain a ceasefire amid ongoing threats and missile exchanges. President Donald Trump's conflicting statements, including claims of 1,000 missiles aimed at Iran, and Israeli warnings about an 'Iranian plot' threaten the peace process, while regional states like Pakistan and Qatar seek diplomatic solutions. Israel's potential for renewed attacks and regional tensions raise fears of a return to war.
- Trump hints at a ‘dead man’s switch’ if Iran assassinates him. But Vice President JD Vance would make the call
President Donald Trump claims he has issued orders for the U.S. military to retaliate against Iran if he is assassinated, but experts state a 'dead man’s switch' is not feasible. Under U.S. succession laws, Vice President JD Vance would assume command and decide on retaliation. Iran's supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei vowed to avenge his father's death in recent U.S.-Israeli strikes, while Trump's social media posts warned of military readiness against Iran.
- Mysterious masked man at Khamenei’s funeral revealed
A masked man wearing a black mask was observed at Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s funeral, leading to speculation that his son Mojtaba Khamenei might have publicly appeared as the new supreme leader.
- Trump and Iran's supreme leader trade threats as mediators try to save their crumbling deal
U.S. President Donald Trump and Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei exchanged threats amid a deteriorating interim ceasefire, with Trump vowing missile strikes over Iranian calls for his assassination and Iran vowing retaliation. Both sides accused each other of violating the agreement, with tensions escalating over control of the Strait of Hormuz and ongoing military actions.
- Trump suggests a standing order to attack Iran if it assassinates him. But Vance would make the call
Trump claims he left orders for the U.S. military to retaliate against Iran if he is assassinated, but the U.S. lacks a system to automatically execute such retaliation. If Trump were killed, Vice President JD Vance would assume the presidency and decide on any response. Iran's supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei vowed to avenge his father's death, which occurred in U.S. and Israeli strikes.
- Iran's Supreme Leader pledges revenge for slain father and predecessor
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei pledged revenge for the killing of his predecessor and father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on February 28. The message was released on his Telegram account during funeral ceremonies held months after the attack.
- Trump threatens Iran after funeral chants call for his death
President Trump threatened Iran after funeral chants for his death during Ayatollah Khamenei's funeral, escalating tensions over the Strait of Hormuz and ongoing military actions in the Middle East. The U.S. and Iran have exchanged strikes, with Trump vowing to destroy Iran if threats against him are acted upon.
- Trump threatens Iran after open calls for the US leader's assassination during ayatollah's funeral
President Donald Trump has threatened Iran following the funeral of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, where there were open calls for Trump's assassination. The incident occurred during the mourning period for the late Iranian leader.
- Trump threatens Iran after open calls for the US leader's assassination during ayatollah's funeral
President Donald Trump has threatened Iran following calls for his assassination at the funeral of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The incident occurred during the funeral where such calls were made.
- Trump threatens Iran after open calls for the US leader's assassination during ayatollah's funeral
President Donald Trump has threatened Iran after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's funeral, where there were calls for Trump's assassination. The incident occurred during the funeral of the Iranian leader.
- Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei vows revenge for killing of father
Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei vowed revenge for the killing of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, stating it was 'the demand of the nation' in a message released on his Telegram account during funeral ceremonies held months later.
- Trump threatens Iran after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's funeral saw calls for his killing
Trump threatened Iran following Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's funeral, where calls for his killing were made. He made comments on Truth Social after U.S. officials demanded Iran publicly state the Strait of Hormuz is open.
- Trump threatens Iran after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's funeral saw calls for his killing
Trump threatened Iran following Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's funeral where attendees called for his killing. U.S. officials had demanded Iran publicly confirm the Strait of Hormuz is open.
- When gunning for regime change, be careful what you shoot for
Israeli and US attacks on Iran assassinated its supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, four family members, and other senior leaders. President Donald Trump urged Iranians to rise up, stating 'the hour of your freedom is at hand.'
- Trump threatens Iran after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's funeral saw open calls for his killing
U.S. President Donald Trump threatened Iran after funeral of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei featured calls for his killing. Trump warned of missile action if Iran attacks, amid tensions over control of the Strait of Hormuz and recent airstrikes and retaliatory fire in the Middle East.
- Trump threatens Iran after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s funeral saw open calls for his killing
U.S. President Donald Trump threatened Iran on Truth Social after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s funeral, where mourners called for his and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s killing. The tensions follow U.S. airstrikes and Iranian retaliation over attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran insisting on controlling the waterway and charging ships.
- Trump threatens Iran after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s funeral saw open calls for his killing
U.S. President Donald Trump threatened Iran after the funeral of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which included public calls for his killing. Tensions escalate over control of the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran refusing to acknowledge its openness and the U.S. warning of military action if threats materialize.
- Trump threatens Iran after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's funeral saw open calls for his killing
U.S. President Donald Trump threatened Iran after the funeral of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei saw open calls for his killing. Trump cited Iranian demands to control the Strait of Hormuz and ongoing regional tensions, including recent airstrikes and retaliatory attacks, as reasons for his threats of military action.