Ruhollah Khomeini, a controversial and influential figure in the Middle East, passed away on June 3, 1989 at the age of 86. Khomeini served as the leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran from its establishment in 1979, until shortly before his death. His 1980 referendum established the nation’s constitution, based on religious principles, and named Khomeini “Supreme Leader” for life. Khomeini sought to spread Islamic rule beyond Iran’s borders and was an outspoken critic of the US and Israel. Born in 1902 in Iran, Khomeini studied Islamic philosophy during his younger years and eventually became an Islamic scholar. He was actively against the Iranian monarchy, and in 1963 was forced into exile by the Shah’s regime. During his exile, he wrote religiously motivated and anti-monarchy works, which resulted in a growing support of Khomeini from Iranians. Khomeini returned to Iran after the 1978 revolution, and he quickly took on a leadership role. As Supreme Leader, he was responsible for passing social and religious regulations across Iran such as restricting citizens’ access to satellite TV. He also led the Iran-Iraq war from 1980 to 1988. Khomeini was a highly influential figure in the Middle East, who will be remembered for his devotion to Islamic rule and his visions of a powerful Iran.