The Effectiveness of Ayatollah Khamenei in the Position of Leadership
Was the Leader of the Revolution able to guide Iran in the way it was expected?
After the passing of Imam Khomeini and the beginning of the leadership of Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, the Islamic Republic faced complex conditions, including the end of the war and the necessity of rebuilding the country, the transformation of external threats from military confrontation to political and cultural pressures, and major developments in the international system such as the collapse of the Soviet Union and the increase of pressure from the United States.
During this period, the leadership of the system, within the framework of its legal authorities, focused on determining the country’s general policies. Programs such as the 20‑Year Vision Document, an emphasis on scientific development through the Movement for the Production of Knowledge and the Soft Movement, and attention to the role of youth and elites in the country’s progress were put forward.
As a result, in response to the question of whether the Leader of the Revolution was able to lead Iran as it should be led, it can be said that, according to this perspective, the management of the country in these complex conditions has been pursued through reliance on macro‑level policymaking, preserving the principles of the Revolution, and directing scientific and economic development.
The Period of Ayatollah Khamenei’s Leadership
After the passing of Imam Khomeini (may he rest in peace), the leadership of the Islamic Revolution was entrusted to the capable hands of the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, who, according to the late Imam’s description, was “the powerful arm of the Islamic Republic” and “one of the rare individuals who shine like the sun.” He assumed the leadership of the Islamic Revolution under highly sensitive circumstances. On the one hand, the Imposed War had just ended, and the country had entered the complex phase of post-war reconstruction, a period that required careful planning, specialized expertise, sustained effort, and significant resources. At the same time, the values and principles of the Revolution had to be preserved and prevented from fading in the midst of reconstruction. On the other hand, the enemy’s military aggression gradually transformed into cultural aggression, which proved to be even more dangerous and sensitive than military confrontation. This time, the beliefs, ideas, and cultural foundations of Islamic society—particularly those of the youth—became the primary targets, with the aim of weakening the Islamic system from within.
At the same time, global conditions further increased the sensitivity of that period. The collapse of the former Soviet Union created the conditions for the emergence of a unipolar world order dominated by the United States, which in turn intensified American pressure against Iran. These circumstances were further complicated by the actions of certain internal elements who distanced themselves from the principles and values of the Islamic Revolution and, intentionally or unintentionally, served the interests of the enemy. In such a sensitive environment, the Supreme Leader guided the Islamic Revolution with courage and wisdom up to the present day. Under his leadership and with the support of the people, the Islamic Republic of Iran has emerged as an independent and influential country at both the regional and international levels, capable of standing against the unilateral dominance of the United States and other major powers. In this regard, Alexander Haig, former U.S. Secretary of State, stated: “In my view, more dangerous and significant than these international problems are the consequences of the expansion of Islamic fundamentalism that has taken root in Iran and now threatens the existence and stability of moderate Arab regimes in the region. If this development goes out of control, it will endanger the interests of the superpowers in the most serious way.”
For this reason, the United States has openly adopted a hostile stance toward the Islamic Revolution and has refrained from no measure in pursuing this objective. In the sphere of domestic policy, according to the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran, “determining the general policies of the system and supervising their proper implementation” are among the duties and authorities of the Supreme Leader. During his leadership, Ayatollah Khamenei defined these general policies in an appropriate and systematic manner and exercised effective oversight over their implementation. Within this framework, he introduced the Twenty-Year Vision Plan, a strategic project intended to guide the development and progress of the Islamic Republic of Iran in all dimensions. He emphasized that this long-term vision and the announced policies should serve as the foundation for legislative activity in the Parliament, noting that if all institutions and branches of government fulfill their responsibilities within this framework, Iran will reach a high level of advancement within twenty years. Furthermore, initiatives such as the promotion of scientific growth, the launch of the Knowledge Production Movement and the Soft-War / Software Movement, the attention given to youth and national elites, the encouragement of self-confidence and self-reliance, the emphasis on addressing the real needs of the people, and the pursuit of justice were among the key measures taken under his leadership. Additionally, the annual designation of national priorities and the formulation of strategic directions for the country represent further steps taken by the Leader in guiding and directing the overall trajectory of national development. These actions clearly reflect his accurate judgment and effective leadership in managing the course of the country.
Note
- This article is mainly taken from "کارآمدی آیتالله خامنهای در مقام رهبری" on Persian Wikipasokh.