Ali Khamenei: Leadership of the Islamic Republic (1979-1989) and the Role of the Supreme Defense Council

The Supreme Defense Council

In 1979, following the Iranian Revolution, the Supreme Defense Council was established to oversee national security and defense matters. Khamenei, then a newly appointed President of the Islamic Republic, played a crucial role in the council. His experience in the paramilitary organization, Pasdaran (Guardians of the Islamic Revolution), and his close relationship with Ayatollah Khomeini, the spiritual leader of the revolution, made him a key figure in shaping Iran’s defense policies.

Key Decisions and Decrees

During his tenure on the Supreme Defense Council, Khamenei was instrumental in several critical decisions that impacted Iran’s defense and foreign policy. Some notable examples include:

Establishment of the Revolutionary Guards: In 1979, Khamenei, along with other senior officials, played a key role in creating the Revolutionary Guards (IRGC), an elite military force loyal to the Islamic Republic. The IRGC has since become a powerful entity in Iran, with significant influence in domestic and foreign policy.

Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988): Khamenei’s leadership and strategic thinking were crucial during the Iran-Iraq War. He advocated for a long-term strategy focused on exhausting Iraq through a guerrilla war, rather than seeking a quick military victory.

Resistance and National Unity: Khamenei’s leadership emphasized the importance of national unity and resistance against the Iraqis, the United States, and other foreign powers. This theme was central to Iran’s propaganda efforts during the war and remains a core aspect of the country’s national narrative.

March 1, 2026 | 2:26 pm