Ali Khamenei - The Good and the Evil Side of Iran’s Former Supreme Leader

Global debate around the policies of Ali Khamenei has intensified in recent years, particularly regarding restrictions on women and the ideological structure of the Islamic Republic. Khamenei served as Iran’s Supreme Leader from 1989 until 2026 and held immense authority over the country’s political, military and social systems. Iran under his leadership experienced both strong state control and significant geopolitical influence in the Middle East. 

Many critics argue that some of the policies enforced under his leadership imposed strict rules on women’s personal freedom. Supporters, however, claim these rules were based on interpretations of Islamic morality and social order. The result has been a deeply polarized global discussion about whether these measures protected cultural values or curtailed individual liberty.

• One of the most widely debated rules was the compulsory hijab law. Under Iranian regulations, women are required to cover their hair and body in public, typically through a headscarf and loose clothing. These requirements were enforced by authorities including the morality police, who could issue warnings, fines, or arrests for violations. 
• Enforcement of the dress code intensified periodically. Officials emphasized that the hijab was a religious and legal obligation, and Khamenei repeatedly defended it as an essential element of Islamic identity. He described removing the headscarf as forbidden under Islamic principles and criticized Western cultural influences that, in his view, objectified women. 
• Punishments for violating dress regulations could include fines, imprisonment, or other penalties under various legal frameworks. Human rights groups have argued that such punishments were disproportionate and restricted basic freedoms. 
• Surveillance measures were reportedly used to enforce these rules. Reports have indicated that technologies such as facial-recognition cameras, road monitoring systems, and even mobile apps were used to identify women not wearing proper hijab, demonstrating how enforcement increasingly relied on digital monitoring. 
• The debate over women’s rights intensified dramatically after the death of Mahsa Amini, who died in morality police custody after allegedly violating dress regulations. The incident triggered large protests across Iran under the slogan “Woman, Life, Freedom,” reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with restrictions on women’s autonomy. 
• In speeches, Khamenei defended his stance by arguing that Islamic society recognizes women’s dignity differently from Western societies. He suggested that women should be seen as central figures in family life and social stability rather than as objects of public display. 

At the same time, focusing only on these controversies does not present the entire picture of Khamenei’s influence on Iran. Supporters credit him with several policies and strategic decisions that shaped the country’s political identity and regional role.

• Khamenei presided over Iran for more than three decades, making him one of the longest-serving leaders in the Middle East. During this period he consolidated the authority of the Islamic Republic after the revolution and oversaw political continuity in a system combining religious leadership with republican institutions. 
• Under his leadership, Iran significantly expanded its regional influence through alliances with groups and governments across the Middle East. These alliances allowed Tehran to project power and position itself as a major geopolitical player in regional conflicts and negotiations. 
• Khamenei also promoted scientific and technological development within Iran, especially in sectors such as nuclear technology, military research, and higher education. Iranian leaders frequently framed these efforts as attempts to achieve self-sufficiency in the face of international sanctions and isolation.
• Another element often highlighted by his supporters is his resistance to Western political influence. Khamenei consistently portrayed Iran as a state defending its sovereignty and cultural identity against foreign pressure, particularly from the United States and Israel. 
• Domestically, his administration supported religious institutions, charities, and welfare foundations that provided services to segments of Iranian society, especially those aligned with the ideals of the Islamic Revolution.

The legacy of Ali Khamenei therefore remains complex and controversial. For critics, his rule symbolizes repression, strict social regulation, and limited political freedom. For supporters, he represents ideological continuity, national independence, and resistance to external pressure.

The global debate over his policies especially those affecting women illustrates the broader clash between different visions of society: one grounded in religious tradition and state authority, and the other emphasizing individual rights and personal freedom. As Iran continues to evolve politically and socially, discussions about these policies will likely remain central to understanding both the country’s internal dynamics and its relationship with the wider world