Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
Mentioned in 27 analyzed podcast episodes across 10 shows
Iran's Supreme Leader since 1989 who held absolute power over the country's clerical regime and nuclear policy negotiations. Podcast coverage focuses on his role in responding to anti-government protests, his involvement in US-Iran diplomatic talks, and geopolitical tensions with the United States and Israel. Multiple podcast episodes from early 2026 report on his death in coordinated US-Israeli military strikes and the resulting succession crisis and regional escalation.
Appears On
Episode Appearances
Empire: World History · Mar 20, 2026
Christiane Amanpour On Iran & Trump’s Miscalculations
“Succeeded Khomeini in 1989; further entrenched IRGC power and theocratic-military fusion; recently killed in strikes”
The Daily · Mar 16, 2026
A War Within the War: Israel’s Bombardment of Lebanon
“Iranian leader whose killing prompted Hezbollah's retaliation against Israel”
Consider This from NPR · Mar 15, 2026
For Iranian-Americans, the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran evokes complex emotions
“Iran's supreme leader whose reported death during U.S.-Israeli airstrikes prompted mixed emotions among Iranian-Americans”
Global News Podcast · Mar 10, 2026
Hegseth: Today ‘most intense’ day of US strikes on Iran
“Former Supreme Leader of Iran killed in Israeli airstrikes, triggering succession crisis and new leadership uncertainty”
Global News Podcast · Mar 8, 2026
Iranian clerics reach consensus on new supreme leader
“Iranian Supreme Leader killed in initial Israeli airstrike, triggering succession crisis and regional escalation”
Money Rehab with Nicole Lapin · Mar 6, 2026
The War in Iran Is Coming for Your Wallet
“Iran's supreme leader reportedly killed in coordinated U.S.-Israel strikes”
Global News Podcast · Mar 5, 2026
US and Israel step up attacks on Iran
“Iranian Supreme Leader whose death is central to succession planning and regime stability during active military conflict”
Uncanny Valley | WIRED · Mar 5, 2026
Iran Strikes in the AI Era; Prediction Markets Ethics; Paramount Beats Netflix
“Iran's supreme leader subject of $54M prediction market bet on his removal from power”
Consider This from NPR · Mar 3, 2026
Who will be Iran's next leader?
“Iran's Supreme Leader killed in U.S.-Israeli airstrike campaign; central figure whose death triggered succession crisis”
Letters from an American · Mar 3, 2026
March 1, 2026
“86-year-old Iranian Supreme Leader whose potential death was assessed to enable hardline succession”
Newshour · Mar 2, 2026
US-Israel war with Iran: Strikes continue
“Iranian Supreme Leader killed in early hours of conflict, triggering succession crisis and regime continuity questions”
O'Connor & Company · Mar 2, 2026
U.S. AND ISRAEL STRIKE IRAN OVER THE WEEKEND, BELTWAY STABBER, AUSTIN MASS SHOOTER
“Supreme Leader of Iran killed in initial U.S.-Israel military strike along with Iranian president and military command”
Economist Podcasts · Mar 2, 2026
War with Iran: Middle East in flames
“Iran's Supreme Leader since 1989, killed in hypothetical US-Israeli strike scenario”
Law and Chaos · Mar 2, 2026
Ep 209 — Gorsuch, Gummies, and Government Lies About Iran
“Iranian Supreme Leader killed in Trump administration's military strikes on Iran”
NPR News Now · Mar 2, 2026
NPR News: 03-01-2026 7PM EST
“Iran's supreme leader killed in U.S.-Israeli strikes on Saturday; Trump called him a 'wretched vile man'”
Letters from an American · Mar 2, 2026
February 28, 2026
“Supreme Leader of Iran since 1989, killed in U.S.-Israel military strikes on February 28, 2026”
NPR News Now · Mar 1, 2026
NPR News: 03-01-2026 6PM EST
“Iran's supreme leader killed in U.S. and Israeli airstrikes, triggering Iranian retaliatory attacks across Gulf region”
NPR News Now · Mar 1, 2026
NPR News: 03-01-2026 5PM EST
“Iran's supreme leader killed in Israeli airstrike on Saturday; death triggers leadership transition and regional mourning”
Global News Podcast · Mar 1, 2026
Israel continues to strike Iran after Ayatollah's death
“Iranian Supreme Leader killed in US-Israeli strikes; held absolute power for 40 years before assassination”
Newshour · Feb 28, 2026
President Trump says Iran's Supreme Leader is dead
“Iran's Supreme Leader; reportedly killed in Israeli airstrikes though unconfirmed; targeted by coordinated US-Israel military campaign”
Global News Podcast · Feb 26, 2026
US and Iran hold crucial talks mediated by Oman
“Iran's Supreme Leader whose stated commitment against nuclear weapons is cited as credible by Iranian officials”
Newshour · Feb 22, 2026
Secret Service shoot armed man at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago
“Iranian Supreme Leader; subject of anti-government chants and protests at Iranian universities”
Global News Podcast · Feb 22, 2026
First large protests in Iran since deadly crackdown
“Iran's Supreme Leader referenced in anti-government protest slogans and chants”
The NPR Politics Podcast · Feb 12, 2026
Trump wants a deal with Iran, but could military strikes be coming?
“Iran's 86-year-old Supreme Leader who has ruled since 1989 and controls clerical regime's response to negotiations and protests”
Throughline · Jan 22, 2026
Iran Protests Explained
“Supreme Leader of Iran for 37 years; unelected head of parallel government with final authority on domestic and foreign policy”
The Briefing with Albert Mohler · Jan 14, 2026
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
“Current supreme leader of Iran since 1989; central figure in ongoing demonstrations and regime control”
Squawk Pod · Jan 9, 2026
Internet Blackout in Iran & Protests in Minneapolis 1/9/26
“Iran's Supreme Leader blaming U.S. for protests, claiming demonstrators are ruining streets to satisfy Trump”