The death of Ali Khamenei has brought to an end nearly 37 years of absolute rule over Iran. Khamenei was killed in a joint U.S.-Israeli airstrike on Tehran on Saturday during Operation “Epic Fury,” according to official statements. His passing marks a historic turning point for the Islamic Republic, closing a chapter defined by a unique fusion of religious authority, military strength, and regional projection of power. When examining his legacy, three central pillars of authority stand out — the foundations upon which his rule was built and sustained. Absolute Religious and Political Authority Khamenei’s power rested on a doctrine that granted him ultimate control over both religious and political institutions. As Supreme Leader, he held the final word on all major state matters. This structure allowed him to override parliament, the judiciary, and even the presidency. Decision-making power ultimately flowed through his office. “The Supreme Leader was not merely a political figure,” a regional analyst noted. “He embodied the system itself — religion, state, and security were consolidated in one authority.” The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) The second pillar was the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), an elite force of roughly 150,000 troops that answered directly to Khamenei. Beyond its military function, the IRGC evolved into a vast economic conglomerate — often described as a “state within a state.” It controlled significant sectors of the Iranian economy, from energy infrastructure to telecommunications, while also serving as the regime’s principal enforcer. Under Khamenei, the IRGC’s political and economic influence expanded dramatically, solidifying its role as both guardian and beneficiary of the system. The “Axis of Resistance” The third pillar was regional influence through what Khamenei referred to as the “Axis of Resistance.” By financing and training allied militant groups such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthi movement in Yemen, and by supporting the government of Bashar al-Assad in Syria, Iran extended its reach far beyond its borders. This strategy transformed Tehran into a formidable and often unpredictable regional actor. “Khamenei understood that influence beyond Iran’s borders was essential for the regime’s survival,” said a Middle East security expert. “The external network acted as both deterrence and leverage.” A Power Vacuum — Or a Tested System? Khamenei’s death leaves behind an immediate power vacuum. The airstrikes reportedly killed several senior officials, including the head of the IRGC, further destabilizing the upper ranks of the leadership. However, it is important to note that Khamenei did not create the Islamic Republic. Its founder, Ruhollah Khomeini, established the system in 1979, and the state endured even after his death in 1989. The Islamic Republic was structured to prevent governance collapses of this nature. A temporary council — which includes the president — has already assumed leadership responsibilities. Yet the real uncertainty lies elsewhere. Public anger within Iran, combined with the risk of a broader regional war, could prove more destabilizing than the leadership transition itself. At stake is not merely the replacement of one man, but the survival of the Islamic Republic as it has existed for nearly five decades. As global powers monitor developments, the sudden leadership void may have far-reaching implications — from regional security calculations to potential spikes in global fuel prices. Who Was Ali Khamenei? Ali Khamenei served as Iran’s Supreme Leader from 1989 until 2026. Born on April 19, 1939, in Mashhad, he studied theology and became politically active at a young age, opposing the monarchy of the Shah. During the 1979 Islamic Revolution, he joined the Revolutionary Council and assumed key political roles. After the revolution, he served as deputy defense minister and played a leading role within the IRGC. In 1981, he was elected President of Iran, serving two terms until 1989. Following the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, Khamenei was appointed Supreme Leader — a position granting him ultimate political, military, and religious authority. Over more than three decades in power, he centralized authority, reduced the influence of elected institutions, and significantly strengthened the IRGC’s role in politics, the economy, and national security. He remained a central figure in shaping Iran’s domestic and foreign policies until his death. 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