The death of Ali Khamenei marks one of the most consequential moments in contemporary West Asian politics. As Iran enters a period of mourning and constitutional transition, the geopolitical tremors of this development are already being felt across the region and beyond. Leadership in the Islamic Republic is not ceremonial; it is deeply institutional, symbolically charged, and structurally central. The passing of such a figure therefore represents more than personal loss, it signals a pivotal shift in the architecture of power in Tehran.

For over three decades, Khamenei stood at the centre of Iran’s political system, exercising authority across the military establishment, the judiciary, and the executive sphere. His tenure shaped Iran’s strategic posture, defined its engagement with global powers, and influenced regional alignments across West Asia. His rhetoric and policy direction guided the country through sanctions, diplomatic standoffs, internal unrest, and periods of intense confrontation. Whether viewed with........

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