Ali Khamenei
Ali Khamenei is the Supreme Leader of Iran, the country's highest-ranking political and religious authority. He has held the position since 1989, following the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic. Born in 1939 in Mashhad, Khamenei is a Shia cleric who rose through the ranks of Iran's religious and political establishment during and after the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Before becoming Supreme Leader, he served as President of Iran from 1981 to 1989. As Supreme Leader, Khamenei wields ultimate authority over Iran's military, judiciary and state media, and has final say on all matters of state policy, including foreign relations and nuclear policy. His tenure has been marked by Iran's ongoing tensions with Western powers, particularly the United States, over its nuclear programme and regional influence. Khamenei oversees Iran's theocratic system of government, in which elected officials operate within boundaries set by unelected religious authorities. His decisions significantly influence Iran's economic policies, including sanctions responses and international trade relationships. He is a prominent figure in Middle Eastern geopolitics and Iran's relationships with African nations, particularly in trade, energy and diplomatic spheres. Khamenei's leadership continues to shape Iran's domestic governance and its position in global affairs, including its economic engagement with developing markets.
Ali Khamenei Updates
Iran war fallout: risks for the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa
5th March 2026 The death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader, in March 2026 marks the end of a political era in the Middle Eastern country. Khamenei... →
US strike on Iran 'ahead of game plan' but global markets rattled, energy prices soar
By: Reuters 4th March 2026 US forces continued a round-the-clock assault on Iran and Israel mounted a "broad wave" of strikes on Wednesday targeting Iranian missile sites and... →
Govt affirms importance of preserving heritage, unveils Mandela, Tambo statues 
By: Thabi Shomolekae 3rd March 2026 President Cyril Ramaphosa said in erecting former President Nelson Mandela and former African National Congress (ANC) President Oliver Reginald... →
SACP condemns US-Israel’s killing of Iranian leader
By: Thabi Shomolekae 2nd March 2026 The South African Communist Party said on Monday that the targeting of high-ranking government officials violates all rules of international norms... →
SAJFP condemns US, Israel military action against Iran, calls for accountability
2nd March 2026 South African Jews for a Free Palestine on Monday unequivocally condemned the recent military action by the US and Israel against Iran, calling for... →
Daily Podcast – January 15, 2026
By: Lumkile Nkomfe 15th January 2026 Making headlines: DA ‘disappointed’ with Dion George’s resignation ahead of inquiry; SA urges ‘restraint’ in Iran amid violent crackdown; And, new... →
SA urges ‘restraint’ in Iran amid violent crackdown
By: Thabi Shomolekae 15th January 2026 The South African government on Thursday expressed concern at developments in Iran, urging maximum restraint from all parties. Tensions are running... →
Daily Podcast – January 14, 2026
By: Halima Frost 14th January 2026 Making headlines: ANC welcomes SA’s removal from EU high-risk list; DA asks Lamola to report Iran for human rights abuses; And, South Africa lauds... →
DA asks Lamola to report Iran for human rights abuses
By: Thabi Shomolekae 14th January 2026 The Democratic Alliance on Wednesday demanded that International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola report Iran to the United Nations... →
DA demands Minister Lamola report Iran to UN Human Rights Council
14th January 2026 The Democratic Alliance (DA) has formally written to Minister of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), Ronald Lamola, demanding that he... →
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