Iran Grapples With Khamenei's Legacy Amid Deep Divisions Following His Funeral

Iran is entering a period of uncertainty following the death and funeral of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, with the country grappling with deep political, social and ideological divisions that intensified during his more than three decades in power. As Khamenei was laid to rest on Thursday, massive funeral processions in Tehran and other cities highlighted the support he retained among the Islamic Republic’s core loyalists, while also drawing attention to the growing discontent that has emerged within Iranian society over years of political repression, economic hardship and international isolation.

Khamenei, who became Iran’s supreme leader in 1989 following the death of Ruhollah Khomeini, presided over one of the most consequential periods in the country’s modern history. Supporters regard him as a steadfast defender of the Islamic Republic who resisted pressure from the West and Israel while strengthening Iran’s regional influence. Critics, however, argue that his leadership entrenched authoritarian rule, weakened political freedoms and contributed to the country’s prolonged economic difficulties through policies that resulted in international sanctions and diplomatic isolation.

The divisions within Iran are increasingly visible not only in public life but also within families. Speaking anonymously due to security concerns, an Iranian technology professional told The Associated Press that disagreements over politics and religion had fractured relationships with close relatives. Raised in a deeply religious household in the holy city of Qom, he said he eventually abandoned both clerical rule and religious practice, reflecting what he described as a broader generational shift among many younger Iranians.

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While state media broadcast images of large crowds attending Khamenei’s funeral, many observers said the ceremonies represented only one side of a deeply polarised society. Thousands of mourners praised the late leader as a martyr and vowed to uphold his legacy. Some participants repeated hardline slogans calling for retaliation against Iran’s adversaries, including the United States and Israel, following Khamenei’s death in Israeli strikes earlier this year.

Khamenei’s leadership was defined by his commitment to preserving the Islamic Republic’s revolutionary ideology. Under his tenure, Iran expanded its nuclear programme, strengthened its missile capabilities and developed close ties with allied armed groups across the Middle East. His government consistently framed these policies as essential to protecting Iran’s sovereignty and resisting foreign pressure, despite repeated rounds of international sanctions aimed at curbing Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.

Domestically, Khamenei consolidated power by strengthening institutions such as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which assumed an increasingly influential role in the country’s military, political and economic affairs. Reformist movements that sought greater political openness and civil liberties faced growing restrictions, while authorities maintained strict enforcement of religious and social regulations, including mandatory dress codes and limitations on public dissent.

Public frustration mounted in recent years as economic challenges worsened. High inflation, unemployment, currency depreciation and declining living standards fuelled widespread protests across the country. Demonstrations that initially centred on economic grievances gradually evolved into broader demands for political change, with many protesters openly calling for an end to clerical rule. According to reports, January witnessed one of the deadliest crackdowns in recent Iranian history, with security forces killing thousands of demonstrators during nationwide unrest.

The combination of political repression and economic hardship has left Iran deeply divided over Khamenei’s legacy. While his supporters credit him with safeguarding the Islamic Republic against external threats and preserving national independence, opponents argue that decades of rigid governance have isolated Iran internationally and deepened domestic dissatisfaction. With Khamenei now gone, attention is turning to Iran’s future leadership and whether the country’s next chapter will bring continuity or change. Analysts say the divisions that became evident during his funeral underscore the challenges facing Iran’s political establishment as it seeks to maintain stability while addressing growing public demands for economic opportunity, political reform and greater personal freedoms.

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