Ali Khamenei
Mentioned in 31 analyzed podcast episodes across 10 shows
Supreme Leader of Iran since 1989, responsible for Iran's nuclear program and military decision-making, whose resistance ideology shaped Iranian foreign policy. Widely discussed across news and analysis podcasts due to his reported death in US-Israeli military strikes in 2026, which triggered a succession crisis and significant regional conflict escalation. His decades-long leadership and the circumstances surrounding his death made him central to podcast coverage of Middle Eastern geopolitics and US-Iran relations.
Appears On
Episode Appearances
Call Me Back - with Dan Senor · Apr 11, 2026
Sneak Peek: How Mossad Stole Iran’s Nuclear Archive - with Ronen Bergman
“Referenced as authority figure who could order resumption of nuclear weapons production if Iranian scientists maintained readiness”
Economist Podcasts · Mar 25, 2026
On goal difference: are America and Israel diverging on Iran?
“Target of initial decapitation strikes as US and Israel attempted regime change”
Consider This from NPR · Mar 22, 2026
Why Israeli assassinations aren't working the way they hope
“Iran's Supreme Leader killed in opening strikes on February 28th as part of decapitation strategy”
Empire: World History · Mar 19, 2026
343. Lebanon: Hezbollah, Israel, & Fifty Years As A Battleground
“Iranian president during 1982 invasion; sent Revolutionary Guards to Lebanon; later became Supreme Leader.”
Empire: World History · Mar 17, 2026
342. Iran: The Three Ayatollahs – From Revolution to Dynasty
“Supreme Leader 1989-2024; analyzed as initially moderate but hardened by paranoia and anti-American ideology over decades”
Irregular Warfare Podcast · Mar 13, 2026
Iran, Revolution, and the Logic of Proxy Warfare
“Current Supreme Leader whose security doctrine evolved from Iran-Iraq War experience and proxy network strategy.”
Economist Podcasts · Mar 10, 2026
Oil rise: Trump gets the jitters
“Former Iranian Supreme Leader killed at beginning of war”
Economist Podcasts · Mar 9, 2026
Follow the leader: Iran picks the son
“Former Iranian supreme leader killed in US airstrikes, father of new supreme leader”
Consider This from NPR · Mar 8, 2026
New front in Lebanon as Iran war reshapes Middle East
“Supreme leader of Iran whose death prompted Hezbollah to launch solidarity rockets at Israel, escalating the conflict”
Morning Wire · Mar 8, 2026
Iran Without Khamenei: What Comes Next?
“Iran's Supreme Leader for 36 years until his death in Operation Epic Fury; subject of episode analysis regarding his regime's legacy”
Lovett or Leave It · Mar 7, 2026
Noem Wrecker
“Iran's Supreme Leader killed in U.S.-Israel bombing strikes that triggered regional conflict escalation”
Behind the Bastards · Mar 7, 2026
It Could Happen Here Weekly 222
“Iranian Supreme Leader; targeted in Israeli bombing campaign; status unclear after attacks”
Consider This from NPR · Mar 6, 2026
How is the Iran war reshaping the world and politics here at home?
“Iran's Supreme Leader killed in US-Israeli strikes; primary target of military campaign”
Economist Podcasts · Mar 6, 2026
The third Gulf war: one week on
“Iran's Supreme Leader killed in first hours of conflict, subject of obituary segment”
All-In with Chamath, Jason, Sacks & Friedberg · Mar 6, 2026
Inside the Iran War and the Pentagon's Feud with Anthropic with Under Secretary of War Emil Michael
“Iranian Supreme Leader reportedly killed in joint US-Israel military operation”
Global News Podcast · Mar 6, 2026
US and Israel 'moving to next phase' of war with Iran
“Iranian Supreme Leader killed in US-Israeli airstrike on Saturday, triggering succession crisis and regime uncertainty”
NPR News Now · Mar 5, 2026
NPR News: 03-05-2026 5PM EST
“Former Supreme Leader of Iran whose successor Trump seeks to influence in ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict”
Economist Podcasts · Mar 3, 2026
Escalation: Middle East war widens
“Iranian Supreme Leader reportedly targeted in Israeli intelligence operations”
PBD Podcast · Mar 2, 2026
Iran's Khamenei Killed & Austin Mass Shooting | PBD #750
“Iran's Supreme Leader killed in joint US-Israeli military operation called Operation Epic Fury”
O'Connor & Company · Mar 2, 2026
JOE DIGENOVA, IRANIAN WOMEN AND LEFTIST FEMINISTS, DANIEL HOFFMAN, MEDIA COVERAGE OF THE AYATOLLAH’S DEATH
“Iranian Supreme Leader killed in initial military strike along with senior military and government officials”
The Daily · Mar 2, 2026
Celebration and Mourning: Inside an Iran at War
“Iran's Supreme Leader reportedly killed in fictional US-Israeli strikes after 35 years in power”
The Daily · Mar 1, 2026
The Killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader and the End of an Era in the Middle East
“Iran's Supreme Leader reportedly killed in the coordinated US-Israel military strikes”
NPR News Now · Mar 1, 2026
NPR News: 02-28-2026 7PM EST
“Iran's Supreme Leader; Trump claims he is dead, though Iran has not confirmed; described as 'one of the most evil people'”
Consider This from NPR · Feb 28, 2026
Iranian supreme leader killed in airstrike, Trump says
“Iran's Supreme Leader since 1989, reportedly killed in Israeli airstrikes; central figure in episode”
NPR News Now · Feb 28, 2026
NPR News: 02-28-2026 5PM EST
“Iran's Supreme Leader; reported killed by Israeli strike according to sources briefed on the situation”
Call Me Back - with Dan Senor · Feb 28, 2026
EMERGENCY EPISODE: WAR WITH IRAN - with Mark Dubowitz and Nadav Eyal
“Iranian Supreme Leader reportedly targeted in strikes; status uncertain but Israeli sources indicate likely killed in operation”
PBD Podcast · Feb 28, 2026
EMERGENCY PODCAST: Iran War Unleashed! U.S. & Israel STRIKE Khamenei | PBD #749
“Iran's Supreme Leader, primary target of U.S. and Israeli military strikes; status unclear as of episode recording”
Economist Podcasts · Feb 26, 2026
Poised and confused: the will-he-won’t-he of Iran strikes
“Iran's Supreme Leader who previously stated Iran would never have nuclear weapons”
Call Me Back - with Dan Senor · Feb 22, 2026
Trump’s Options on the Brink of War - with Mark Dubowitz and Nadav Eyal
“Supreme Leader of Iran whose resistance ideology and decision-making regarding nuclear program and military response are central to episode analysis”
NatSec Matters · Jan 21, 2026
The Future of the Iranian Regime: Jeffrey Feltman
“Supreme Leader of Iran; characterized as ideologically rigid true believer opposed to reform or compromise”
The Rest Is Classified · Jan 19, 2026
118. Inside Iran: Can You Predict A Revolution? (Ep 1)
“Iran's supreme leader around whom power has become increasingly concentrated alongside the IRGC”