The Position of the Supreme Leader’s Political Discourse in Contemporary Iranian History

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to analyze the political discourse of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, and to examine its various dimensions in both domestic and international contexts. His political discourse particularly seeks to define an Islamic system of governance in which the concepts of independence, social justice, resistance, and freedom coexist. This discourse, especially from the perspective of Velayat-e Faqih (Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist) and Shi‘a jurisprudential principles, has significantly influenced the macro-level policymaking of the Islamic Republic of Iran. In this regard, the Supreme Leader’s discourse draws upon the theoretical foundations of pure Islam and aims to establish a just and independent society free from dependence on global powers. This study addresses questions such as: What are the main features and dimensions of the Supreme Leader’s political discourse? How has this discourse over time influenced various social, economic, and political arenas? The importance of this research becomes even more evident in the current situation, as the Islamic Republic of Iran faces new political, economic, and social challenges. Analyzing the Leader’s discourse can assist policymakers and researchers in identifying effective strategies to confront these challenges. The research also explores how the Supreme Leader’s discourse aligns with domestic and global developments and examines the ways in which it responds to emerging challenges. The findings reveal that the Supreme Leader’s discourse—by emphasizing Islamic principles and concepts such as justice, resistance, and independence—has played a significant role in shaping Iran’s domestic and foreign policies, positioning the Islamic Republic as an independent power on the global stage.