Ruhollah Khomeini

Ruhollah Khomeini was an Iranian religious leader, politician, and revolutionary who served as the founder and first Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Born in Khomeyn, Iran in 1902, he was trained as a Shia cleric and rose to prominence as a vocal critic of the Pahlavi monarchy. His opposition to Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi’s policies, which he viewed as corrupt and overly influenced by Western powers, led to his exile in 1964, during which he continued to inspire resistance through his writings and speeches.

In 1979, Khomeini returned to Iran during the Iranian Revolution, which overthrew the Shah and established an Islamic republic. As Supreme Leader, he shaped Iran’s political and religious systems based on his doctrine of Velayat-e Faqih (Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist), consolidating both political and spiritual authority. His leadership fundamentally transformed Iran’s governance, foreign policy, and societal structure, making him one of the most influential — and controversial — figures of the 20th century.

Known for his uncompromising rhetoric, Ruhollah Khomeini famously declared, "America is the Great Satan." He also stated, "We will export our revolution to the whole world." These quotes reflect his staunch anti-Western stance, his revolutionary zeal, and his vision of spreading Islamic governance beyond Iran’s borders.