Ali Khamenei Biography 2026: Age, Height, Career, Net Worth, and More

Ali Khamenei has been a central figure in Iranian politics for decades, serving as the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran since 1989. As a prominent Shia cleric and politician, he is known for his role in shaping Iran’s foreign policy, including strong opposition to the United States and Israel, while overseeing the country’s theocratic governance from Tehran. His long tenure makes him one of the longest-serving heads of state in the Middle East, blending religious authority with political power amid ongoing domestic and international challenges.

Quick Facts

Early Life & Education

Ali Khamenei was born on April 19, 1939, in Mashhad, a holy city in northeastern Iran, into a devout Shia Muslim family. His father, Javad Khamenei, was an Azerbaijani cleric and mujtahid from Khamaneh near Tabriz, while his mother, Khadijeh Mirdamadi, came from a Persian family in Yazd. As the second of eight children, he grew up in a modest environment, exposed to religious teachings from a young age. Khamenei began Quran studies at a local maktab at age four and showed an early interest in literature, poetry, and intellectual pursuits, influenced by figures like Ali Shariati and Western philosophers such as Jean-Paul Sartre and Bertrand Russell.

His formal education focused on Islamic seminary training. He studied basic and advanced levels at Mashhad’s hawza under mentors like Ayatollah Milani and Sheikh Hashem Qazvini. In 1957, he briefly attended classes in Najaf, Iraq, but returned due to family opposition. By 1958, he moved to Qom, Iran’s religious center, where he studied under prominent figures like Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini and Seyyed Hossein Borujerdi. Khamenei’s education emphasized Islamic jurisprudence, philosophy, and politics, though he was more drawn to revolutionary activism than pure scholarship. This period shaped his worldview, blending Shia theology with anti-imperialist ideas.

Career Journey

Ali Khamenei’s path from cleric to supreme political authority spans revolutionary activism, presidency, and ultimate leadership, marked by his close ties to Iran’s Islamic Revolution.

Early Beginnings in Clergy and Activism

Khamenei entered religious and political life in the late 1950s, teaching in Mashhad while engaging with opposition groups against the Shah’s regime. Influenced by Khomeini, he became active in the Movement of God-Worshipping Socialists, blending Islamic socialism with anti-monarchy sentiments. Arrested six times between 1963 and 1975 for anti-Shah activities, he endured torture and a three-year exile in Iranshahr. These experiences solidified his role as a revolutionary figure.

Role in the Iranian Revolution and Early Posts

During the 1978-1979 Iranian Revolution, Khamenei was a key confidant of Khomeini, helping organize protests from Mashhad. After the revolution’s success, he held several positions: head of Astan Quds Razavi (1979), Vice Minister of National Defense (1979), supervisor of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and Tehran’s Friday Prayer Imam (1980-present). He survived an assassination attempt in 1981 by the Mujahedin-e Khalq, which left his right arm paralyzed.

Presidency and Iran-Iraq War

Elected President of Iran in October 1981 with 97% of the vote following Mohammad-Ali Rajai’s assassination, Khamenei served two terms (1981-1989). During the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988), he strengthened ties with the IRGC, opposed invading Iraq, and managed domestic defense. Reelected in 1985 with 87% support, his presidency focused on wartime resilience and post-war reconstruction.

Ascension to Supreme Leader

Following Khomeini’s death in June 1989, the Assembly of Experts elected Khamenei as Supreme Leader, amending the constitution to remove the marja requirement (he was promoted to Ayatollah). As Supreme Leader, he commands the armed forces, appoints key officials, and shapes policy. He has overseen Iran’s nuclear program, issuing a 2003 fatwa against nuclear weapons while supporting civilian development. His foreign policy emphasizes the “Axis of Resistance,” backing groups in Syria, Iraq, Yemen, and Palestine against Israel and the U.S.

Recent Activity and Challenges

In the 2020s, Khamenei faced domestic protests (2019-2020, 2022 Mahsa Amini, 2025-2026 economic unrest) and international tensions, including the 2025 Iran-Israel conflict where he went into hiding during strikes but resurfaced to declare victory. By 2026, amid February strikes on his compound and ongoing protests, he continues to blame external enemies like the U.S. and Israel for instability while authorizing crackdowns.

Career Stats and Milestones

• Political Roles: President (1981-1989), Supreme Leader (1989-present), IRGC Supervisor (1979-1980), Assembly of Experts Member (1983-1989).
• Elections: President (1981: 97%, 1985: 87%); Assembly of Experts (1983: 87.8%).
• Major Achievements: Led Iran through Iran-Iraq War; Expanded IRGC influence; Issued fatwas on nuclear weapons, stem cell research, and social issues; Promoted Persian language reforms.
• Publications: Translated works by Sayyid Qutb; Authored poetry under pseudonym “Amin”; Annual Hajj messages.

Personal Life

Ali Khamenei maintains a private life focused on family and simple pursuits, reflecting his clerical background.

Family, Wife, and Children

Khamenei married Mansoureh Khojasteh Bagherzadeh in 1964. They have six children: sons Mostafa, Mojtaba (influential aide), Masoud, and Meysam (all clerics); daughters Boshra and Hoda. His family includes political connections through marriages, such as Mojtaba to Gholam-Ali Haddad-Adel’s daughter. He has brothers like Hadi (reformist cleric) and Mohammad, and sisters, one of whom fled to exile.

Relationships and Dating History

No public relationships beyond his marriage.

Hobbies, Interests, and Community Involvement

Khamenei enjoys poetry (writing under “Amin”), gardening with basic tools, and playing the tar. He reads novels, praising works like Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables. He supports religious education through institutions like Al-Mustafa International University and engages in community via Friday prayers and fatwas.

Controversies

Khamenei has faced criticism for authoritarian rule, including suppression of protests (2009, 2019-2020, 2022, 2025-2026) with thousands killed or arrested. Accused of Holocaust denial (e.g., calling it a “myth” in 2006) and antisemitic rhetoric (labeling Israel a “cancerous tumor”). Linked to assassinations like the 1992 Mykonos incident and persecution of minorities, including Bahá’ís. His control over vast assets has sparked corruption allegations. Banned music education for youth and viewed gender equality as a “Zionist plot.”

Awards & Achievements

• Named in Time 100 Most Influential People (2007).
• Ranked among Forbes’ Most Powerful People (19th in 2014).
• Signer of the Amman Message on Islamic unity.
• Promoted to Grand Ayatollah (1994, though disputed by some).

Physical Statistics

Ali Khamenei has a modest, clerical appearance:

• Height: 5’9″ (175 cm, estimated)
• Weight: 165 lbs (75 kg, estimated)
• Body Measurements: Not publicly available
• Hair Color: Gray
• Eye Color: Brown
• Health issues include prostate surgery (2014) and bowel obstruction (2022); right arm paralyzed from 1981 assassination attempt.

Quotes

• “The Holocaust is an event whose reality is uncertain.” (2014)
• “Israel is a cancerous tumor that must be removed.” (2018)
• “We will watch and we will judge… You change, our behavior will change.” (2009, on U.S. relations)

Favorites

• Book: Les Misérables by Victor Hugo
• Interest: Persian poetry and literature
• Activity: Leading Friday prayers

Earnings

Ali Khamenei’s net worth is estimated at $200 billion in 2026, largely from control over state-linked organizations like Setad, built on seized properties. Estimates vary due to opaque finances, with earlier reports at $95 billion in 2013.

Interesting Facts

• Fluent in Arabic, Persian, and Azerbaijani; translated Sayyid Qutb’s works.
• Survived 1981 assassination attempt that paralyzed his arm.
• Banned women from riding bicycles publicly via fatwa (2017).
• Praised U.S. student protesters in 2024 open letter.
• Rumored “Plan B” evacuation to Moscow amid 2026 unrest.

Did You Know Already?

Khamenei issued a fatwa against nuclear weapons in 2003, but its binding nature is debated amid Iran’s program.

Social Media Links

• Twitter/X: @khamenei_ir (English account, though banned on some platforms)
• Instagram: Accounts removed by Meta in 2024; official site links to updates
• Official Website: khamenei.ir

FAQs

How old is Ali Khamenei in 2026?

Ali Khamenei is 86 years old in 2026, born on April 19, 1939. He turned 86 in April 2025 and continues his role amid health speculations.

What is Ali Khamenei’s height?

He is estimated at 5’9″ (175 cm), based on public appearances. His stature fits his clerical image, often seen in traditional robes.

Who is Ali Khamenei’s wife?

Ali Khamenei has been married to Mansoureh Khojasteh Bagherzadeh since 1964. They keep a low public profile, focusing on family.

What is Ali Khamenei’s net worth?

His estimated net worth is around $200 billion in 2026, tied to vast state assets under his oversight, though personal wealth is controversial.

Conclusion

Ali Khamenei’s enduring leadership has defined modern Iran, navigating revolutions, wars, and global tensions with a firm commitment to Islamic governance. As challenges persist in 2026, his influence remains pivotal. If this Ali Khamenei biography provided valuable insights, share it with others interested in global politics.