Jackie Northam

Here he is.

You know, we're only three days into this war, and Iran appears to be digging in, you know, so there's still the potential that this war will further escalate.

Thank you.

Ayatollah Khamenei held a tight grip on power since 1989 and was unwavering in his antipathy to the U.S.

and Israel.

Khamenei lacked religious credentials when he became supreme leader, but was cunning and able to outwit other senior political figures in the Islamic Republic and build up his power base to become the longest-serving leader in the Middle East.

Khamenei's close ties to the Revolutionary Guards allowed Iran's military to develop a vast commercial empire in control of many parts of the economy.

Khamenei also built up Iran's defensive policies, such as developing proxies like Hezbollah and Hamas and its huge arsenal of ballistic weapons.

As Supreme Leader, Khamenei also had the final word on anything to do with Iran's nuclear program.

Jackie Northam, NPR News.

Ayatollah Khamenei held a tight grip on power since 1989 and was unwavering in his antipathy to the U.S.

and Israel.

Khamenei lacked religious credentials when he became supreme leader, but was cunning and able to outwit other senior political figures in the Islamic Republic and build up his power base to become the longest-serving leader in the Middle East.

Khamenei's close ties to the Revolutionary Guards allowed Iran's military to develop a vast commercial empire in control of many parts of the economy.

Khamenei also built up Iran's defensive policies, such as developing proxies like Hezbollah and Hamas and its huge arsenal of ballistic weapons.

As Supreme Leader, Khamenei also had the final word on anything to do with Iran's nuclear program.

Jackie Northam, NPR News.

President Trump told Iranians that the hour of freedom is at hand.

For now, take shelter from the U.S.

bombs.