Khamenei

American  

[khah-muh-ney, kah‑, khah-me-ney] / ˌxɑ məˈneɪ, ˌkɑ‑, ˌxɑ mɛˈneɪ /

noun

1. Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Hosseini, born 1939, chief Islamic leader of Iran since 1989.

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Khamenei British  

/ ˌxɑməˈnɪ /

noun

1. Ayatollah Seyed Ali (ˈseɪjət). born 1940, Iranian political and religious leader: president (1981–89); supreme leader from 1989

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Example Sentences

"Our understanding is that the Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has endorsed the broad template of the deal," the official said.

From Barron's • May 24, 2026

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said he recently held a 2-½-hour meeting with Khamenei, in a public message that appeared aimed at dispelling questions about whether the new leader is indeed alive and running the country.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 10, 2026

Tehran's military chief Ali Abdollahi met the country's supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei and, according to Iranian state television, received "new directives and guidance for the continuation of operations to confront the enemy".

From Barron's • May 10, 2026

The public statements have done little to dispel the impression that Khamenei remains too unwell to play an active role in the day-to-day running of the country.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 10, 2026

Ayatollah Khamenei was Iran’s Supreme Cleric: the absolute religious and governmental authority.

From "Darius the Great Is Not Okay" by Adib Khorram