khamenei 1.jpg
Video Ad Feedback
For over 35 years, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has ruled Iran with an iron grip

Both US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have raised the possibility of targeting Tehran’s all-powerful leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. CNN’s Melissa Bell takes a look at Khamenei’s rise to power, and how the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran may put his decades-long rule to the test.

02:40 - Source: CNN
World News 16 videos
khamenei 1.jpg
Video Ad Feedback
For over 35 years, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has ruled Iran with an iron grip
02:40
Now playing
- Source: CNN
20250918-trump_putin.jpg
Video Ad Feedback
Trump: Putin 'let me down' with Russia-Ukraine situation
01:00
Now playing
- Source: CNN
thumbnail trump starmer meet 2.jpg
Video Ad Feedback
Bagpipes play as Trump arrives to meet UK PM
00:48
Now playing
- Source: CNN
WINDSOR, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 18: Queen Camilla and First Lady Melania Trump look at miniature dolls' house books as they tour Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House and the Royal Library during the State visit by the President and First Lady of the United States of America at Windsor Castle on September 18, 2025 in Windsor, England. President Trump is in England from Sept. 16-18 on his second UK state visit, with the previous one taking place in 2019 during his first presidential term. (Photo by Aaron Chown - WPA Pool/Getty Images)
Video Ad Feedback
Watch Melania Trump speak with children at Royal Library
01:41
Now playing
- Source: CNN
still_21956579_12606.42_still.jpg
Video Ad Feedback
Trump's toast at royal dinner calls to defend value of the 'English-speaking world'
00:49
Now playing
- Source: CNN
thumbnail van hollen gaza interview 1.jpg
Video Ad Feedback
US Sen. Van Hollen defends Gaza report accusing Netanyahu of ‘ethnic cleansing’
01:35
Now playing
- Source: CNN
114010_GazaInvasionDiamond thumb wide.png
Multiple children rushed to hospital as Israel delivers terrifying night of bombardment
02:58
Now playing
- Source: CNN
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 13: Police contain supporters of Tommy Robinson at the top end of Whitehall during the "Unite The Kingdom" rally on September 13, 2025 in London, England. Far-right activist Tommy Robinson (also known as Stephen Yaxley-Lennon) has invited supporters to hold a rally in central London entitled "Unite The Kingdom". The former English Defence League leader and his supporters are actively islamaphobic and racist and have been behind much of the unrest seen outside hotels housing migrants this summer. Stand Up To Racism are mounting a counter-protest to today's rally. (Photo by Guy Smallman/Getty Images)
Video Ad Feedback
UK police: Officers were assaulted as 110,000 anti-immigration protesters march through London
01:09
Now playing
- Source: CNN
Repair cafes09.jpg
Video Ad Feedback
Instead of throwing your broken things in the trash, try visiting one of these cafes instead
02:51
Now playing
- Source: CNN
GettyImages-2224056119.jpg
Video Ad Feedback
Bad Bunny reveals why US was excluded from his tour
00:46
Now playing
- Source: CNN
oren timeline israel.jpg
Video Ad Feedback
Timeline of Israel’s operation to kill Hamas leaders in Qatar
01:56
Now playing
- Source: CNN
- Gaza_City_Sats_THUMB.png
Video Ad Feedback
Satellite imagery reveals wide destruction in Gaza City
02:33
Now playing
- Source: CNN
Seasons Digital #1 - Matcha (Clean).00_00_55_15.Still006.jpg
Video Ad Feedback
Why Uji’s matcha is the world’s most coveted green tea
01:28
Now playing
- Source: CNN
113920_israeli protestors tv studio_clean.00_00_29_16.Still001.jpg
Video Ad Feedback
Activists with anti-war message interrupt Israeli broadcast
01:12
Now playing
- Source: CNN
thumbnail tube strikes 1.jpg
Video Ad Feedback
Commuting chaos during London tube strike goes viral
00:47
Now playing
- Source: CNN
Turning Point USA Founder Charlie Kirk arrives to speak before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump during a campaign rally at Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas on October 24, 2024.
Charlie Kirk’s impact on US politics
02:39
Now playing
- Source: CNN