Supreme Leader

Iran's overlapping power centers complicate efforts to enforce a ceasefire with the U.S., involving the Supreme Leader and the Revolutionary Guards. The power structure hinders unified decision-making for conflict resolution.

The New York Times reported that Mossad recruited former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as an intelligence asset to support a regime-change plot. The article criticizes the story's implausibility, citing Iran's power structure and operational risks, and notes skepticism from former Israeli intelligence officials about the described methods.

The United States launched new strikes against Iran following the killing of two U.S. military personnel in Jordan by an Iranian attack. Iran's supreme leader warned the U.S. would face consequences for escalating the conflict, and the airstrikes were conducted at 6 p.m. ET under President Donald Trump's direction.

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.

Trump announced the release of a U.S. citizen held in Iran since 2024. The funeral ceremony for Ali Khamenei, former Iranian Supreme Leader, took place in Tehran on July 5.

The funeral of Iran's supreme leader Khamenei was marked by spectacle and symbolism. The event's coverage highlighted the limitations of existing narratives about Iran.

Mojtaba Khamenei's absence from Ali Khamenei's funeral raised questions about his health and potential assassination fears, suggesting a possible shift in his role compared to his father. Analysis indicates a changing balance of power between the supreme leader's office and the IRGC, with Mojtaba described as a weaker leader than Ali Khamenei, who took years to consolidate authority after 1989.

Fighting between the U.S. and Iran has ceased following the burial of Iran's Supreme Leader. TPS holders are nearing the loss of their work permits, and an investigation continues into the death of a Mississippi teen.

Mojtaba Khamenei has become Iran's new supreme leader, inheriting a political system shaped by his father over decades.

Iran reports 14 killed in U.S. strikes as the country prepares for the burial of Ali Khamenei, with the U.S. and Iran exchanging escalating attacks.

The funeral for Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was designed to showcase unity in a country that is bitterly split over his decades-long rule.

Tens of thousands attended funeral processions for Iran's late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in Najaf and Karbala. His remains returned to Iran for burial in Mashhad on 9 July. Khamenei was killed in a US-Israeli attack on his compound in Tehran in late February.

Thousands mourned the late supreme leader during a funeral procession in Najaf, Iraq, as part of Iran's six-day public ceremonies. The body was transferred from Qom to Iraq, with the final burial set for Mashhad.

An Apprentice star joined 400 Western influencers at the Supreme Leader's funeral, where an American was seen leading an anti-US chant. The event highlights international participation in a significant political ceremony.

Ahmadinejad was seen at the Supreme Leader's funeral weeks after state-media reported his death in a US war. The article highlights conflicting reports regarding his status.

Millions gathered in Tehran for the funeral of Ali Khamenei, with public calls for the killing of Donald Trump. Poet Mohammad Rasouli explicitly demanded Trump's death during the ceremony. Mojtaba Khamenei, appointed as the new supreme leader, has not appeared publicly in three months.

Millions in Tehran joined a funeral procession for Ali Khamenei, who was killed in US-Israel airstrikes in February. His son Mojtaba Khamenei, the new supreme leader, has not publicly appeared since his March appointment, while three of his brothers were present at the funeral.

NPR's Michel Martin interviews Iranian-American scholar Kian Tajbakhsh about Iran's leadership and the funeral of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The discussion focuses on the implications of the funeral and Iran's future political direction.

Iran has begun a procession through Tehran for the funeral of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The event marks the mourning of the late religious and political leader.

Iranians gathered for a funeral to honor their late supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Three of his four sons attended the service, but questions remain about the new supreme leader who was notably absent.

Crowds in Iran called for revenge following an attack that killed the supreme leader and other top officials, triggering a war. Senior Iranian officials appeared publicly for the leader's funeral.

Senior Iranian officials appeared publicly for the funeral of the supreme leader, who was killed along with other top officials in a February 28 attack that triggered a war. Crowds of hundreds of thousands called for revenge following the attack.

Crowds of hundreds of thousands called for revenge following the Feb. 28 attack that killed Iran's 86-year-old supreme leader and other top officials, which triggered the war.

Thousands of mourners attended the public grand procession of Iran’s late Supreme Leader Khamenei in Tehran. The event marks the opening of funeral ceremonies for Khamenei in the capital city.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's body lay in state in Tehran as Iran staged a week-long funeral with millions expected to attend. The article states he was slain by U.S. and Israeli bombs.

Iran is mourning Khamenei under tight security as dignitaries from neighboring states pay respects ahead of his funeral.

India is sending its deputy foreign minister, Pabitra Margherita, and Bihar governor, Syed Ata Hasnain, to Iran's state funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on July 3, as announced by the Indian foreign ministry.

Mediators from Qatar and Pakistan reported positive progress in US-Iran talks in Doha, focusing on the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. Discussions addressed maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and unfreezing Iran’s funds, with plans to continue after Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s funeral on July 9. The MoU includes a 60-day ceasefire, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and a framework for a final agreement on Iran’s nuclear program.

Mojtaba Khamenei, who has spent his career behind the scenes, has been named Iran's new supreme leader following his father Ali Khamenei's death in a US-Israeli airstrike. He faces the challenge of leading Iran amid limited public visibility.

Iran has scheduled state funeral proceedings for slain Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei to begin on July 4. The funeral coincides with the United States' 250th birthday celebration on the same date.

President Trump announced a potential agreement with Iran to end hostilities, predicting a signing ceremony in Europe soon. The deal, approved by Iran's Supreme Leader, aims to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons and lifting the Strait of Hormuz blockade. Israel stated it is not part of the agreement, while U.S. lawmakers debated the administration's authority for military actions.

President Trump claims a 'great settlement' with Iran is nearing finalization, predicting a signing ceremony in Europe soon. The deal, which Iran's Supreme Leader reportedly approved, aims to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons and lifting the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's office stated Israel is not part of the agreement, though the U.S. emphasized Iran's commitments.

President Donald Trump announced a potential 'great settlement' with Iran to end hostilities, claiming Iran's Supreme Leader approved the agreement. The deal would prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons and end the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, though Israeli officials stated Israel is not part of the agreement. No immediate confirmation of the agreement was provided by Iranian leaders.

Pakistan's Naqvi visited Iran with a 'special letter' for the supreme leader as part of diplomatic efforts to end the US-Iran war. Gulf countries have warned of potential escalation in the conflict.

US president Donald Trump confirmed he called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu 'f***ing crazy' during a recent phone call, expressing frustration over 'constant fighting with Lebanon.' Trump stated he likes Netanyahu and expressed interest in meeting Iran's new supreme leader.

Iran's decision-making process is guided by a mandate set by the Supreme National Security Council and approved by the Supreme Leader, highlighting the centralized authority structure in the country.

Iranian officials are using bunkers and a courier network to delay negotiations, with even they unaware of Mojtaba Khamenei's location, according to a US source. The supreme leader continues to provide general instructions to negotiators despite the disorganization.

Iran's economy faces rising prices and job losses due to war-related strain. Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei emphasizes the need to defeat enemies in an economic and cultural struggle.

Sources indicate that Iran's decision-making is no longer centralized around the supreme leader, with reduced divisions among regime factions. Trump and U.S. security officials present differing perspectives on Iran's current leadership structure.

Iran's new supreme leader is theoretically the final decision-maker, but in practice, the decision-making process remains unclear and complex.