**The intricate tapestry of Iranian society, politics, and religion is inextricably woven with the influence of the Ayatollahs. These revered religious scholars, often holding the highest echelons of spiritual and temporal authority, have shaped the nation's destiny, particularly since the transformative events of the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Understanding the role of Ayatollahs in Iran is not merely an academic exercise; it is essential for comprehending the very fabric of this complex and strategically vital nation.** From their theological seminaries to the corridors of power, Ayatollahs have served as the guiding force, interpreting Islamic law, providing moral leadership, and, in the case of the Supreme Leader, wielding ultimate political control. Their legacy is one of profound historical impact, a testament to the unique blend of clerical and state authority that defines the Islamic Republic of Iran. This article delves into the origins of this power, the figures who have embodied it, and the challenges they face in an ever-evolving global landscape. *** ## Table of Contents * [The Genesis of Clerical Power: Ayatollah Khomeini and the 1979 Revolution](#the-genesis-of-clerical-power-ayatollah-khomeini-and-the-1979-revolution) * [Ruhollah Khomeini: A Biographical Sketch](#ruhollah-khomeini-a-biographical-sketch) * [The Supreme Leader: Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's Reign](#the-supreme-leader-ayatollah-ali-khameneis-reign) * [Ayatollah Ali Khamenei: Personal and Political Profile](#ayatollah-ali-khamenei-personal-and-political-profile) * [The Mechanics of Power: How Ayatollahs Govern Iran](#the-mechanics-of-power-how-ayatollahs-govern-iran) * [Navigating External Pressures: Israel and the Ayatollahs](#navigating-external-pressures-israel-and-the-ayatollahs) * [The Assembly of Experts: Guardians of the Revolution's Legacy](#the-assembly-of-experts-guardians-of-the-revolutions-legacy) * [Prominent Members of the Assembly of Experts](#prominent-members-of-the-assembly-of-experts) * [The Ayatollahs' Enduring Influence on Iranian Society](#the-ayatollahs-enduring-influence-on-iranian-society) * [Future Trajectories: Succession and Challenges for the Ayatollahs](#future-trajectories-succession-and-challenges-for-the-ayatollahs) * [The Succession Question: A Critical Juncture for Iran](#the-succession-question-a-critical-juncture-for-iran) * [Conclusion: The Unfolding Narrative of Ayatollahs in Iran](#conclusion-the-unfolding-narrative-of-ayatollahs-in-iran) *** ## The Genesis of Clerical Power: Ayatollah Khomeini and the 1979 Revolution To understand the profound role of Ayatollahs in Iran today, one must first look back at the pivotal figure who fundamentally reshaped the nation: Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. By far, the most famed ayatollah in Iranian history, Khomeini’s ascent marked a radical departure from centuries of monarchical rule and ushered in a new era defined by clerical governance. Ruhollah Khomeini was born in central Iran in 1900. His early life was dedicated to religious scholarship, and by the 1920s, he had established himself as a prominent Shia Islam religious scholar. His intellectual prowess and growing influence within the clerical establishment laid the groundwork for his future political activism. The mid-20th century in Iran was a period of significant upheaval. When British troops sent an occupying force to Iran in 1941, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi was put in power as the Shah, Iran’s supreme leader, albeit in a secular sense. This period saw increasing Western influence and a push for modernization that often clashed with traditional religious values, creating fertile ground for dissent among the clerical class. Ayatollah Khomeini, along with his clerical followers, represented a significant faction within the clerical establishment. Before the revolution, they successfully mobilized many other clerics and segments of Iranian society against the monarchy. This broad-based opposition, fueled by a desire for independence from foreign influence and a return to Islamic principles, culminated in the Iranian Revolution of 1979. This momentous event overthrew the Pahlavi dynasty and led to the founding of the Islamic Republic of Iran, with Ayatollah Khomeini at its helm as the first Supreme Leader. His leadership transformed the traditional role of an ayatollah from purely religious guidance to direct political rule, establishing a unique system of governance known as *Velayat-e Faqih*, or the Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist. ### Ruhollah Khomeini: A Biographical Sketch | Attribute | Detail
