Ayatollah Khomeini: Founder of Iran’s Islamic Republic and His Lasting Legacy
Washington, January 9, 2026 – Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the revolutionary leader who overthrew Iran’s monarchy in 1979 and established the Islamic Republic, remains a polarizing figure whose ideology continues to shape global politics. Born in 1902 and deceased in 1989, Khomeini’s vision of an Islamic government based on velayat-e faqih (guardianship of the Islamic jurist) transformed Iran and influenced movements worldwide. As protests sweep Iran in early 2026, sparked by economic woes and calls for regime change, his legacy is both celebrated by supporters and challenged by dissenters seeking a secular future.
Early Life and Rise to Power
Khomeini was born on September 24, 1902, in Khomein, Iran, into a family of clerics. He studied Islamic theology in Qom and became a prominent scholar, opposing the secular reforms of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. Exiled in 1964 after criticizing the Shah’s regime, Khomeini settled in Iraq and later France. From exile, he led the 1979 Iranian Revolution, returning to Iran on February 1, 1979, to establish the Islamic Republic. He served as Supreme Leader until his death on June 3, 1989, at age 86.
Key Achievements and Controversies
Khomeini’s rule emphasized Islamic governance, including the implementation of Sharia law, mandatory hijab for women, and the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988), which he framed as a defense against Saddam Hussein’s aggression. He authored works like “Islamic Government” and inspired global Islamist movements. However, his regime faced criticism for human rights abuses, executions of dissidents, and the 1988 mass killings of political prisoners. In 2026, amid nationwide protests, his portrait has been defaced, and his ancestral home reportedly set on fire, symbolizing growing rejection of his legacy.
Key Facts / Stats
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Birth and Death | Born September 24, 1902, in Khomein, Iran; Died June 3, 1989, in Tehran, Iran |
| Revolution and Rule | Led 1979 Iranian Revolution; Supreme Leader from 1979 to 1989 |
| Major Conflicts | Oversaw Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988); Issued fatwa against Salman Rushdie in 1989 |
| Legacy in 2026 | Anniversaries commemorated; Protests challenge his ideology amid economic unrest |
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Ayatollah Khomeini die?
Ayatollah Khomeini died on June 3, 1989, at age 86, from undisclosed causes, shortly after the end of the Iran-Iraq War.
What was Khomeini’s role in the Iranian Revolution?
Khomeini was the spiritual and political leader of the 1979 revolution, mobilizing Iranians against the Shah’s regime through cassette tapes and speeches from exile, ultimately establishing the Islamic Republic.
How does Khomeini’s legacy affect Iran today?
His ideology underpins the current system, but 2026 protests highlight dissent, with chants calling for regime change and references to pre-revolutionary figures, indicating a shift toward secularism.