Ali Khamenei Enters the List of Leaders with the Longest Period of Power in 2026.

The Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in a joint military attack by the United States (US) and Israel on February 28, 2026.

Iranian state media reported that Khamenei's daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren were also killed.

The death of Ali Khamenei also ended his leadership in Iran, which had lasted since 1981 or 44 years, according to data studied by Statista.

Statista explained that Khamenei initially served as president. After eight years, he became the de facto religious authority and head of state of Iran.

Khamenei's leadership style also attracted attention. In addition to his strong Islamic values and anti-imperialism, especially towards the US, the leader who died at the age of 86 was known to have immense power influence.

"Rebellions were ruthlessly suppressed to consolidate his power," wrote Katharina Buchholz, a Statista data journalist on Monday (2/3/2026).

This duration places Khamenei as the third world leader with the longest period of power in this era. Khamenei's total years in power include both his presidential era and his position as the de-facto Supreme Leader.

While the first place is occupied by President Paul Biya of Cameroon with a leadership period of 50 years.

Statista mentioned that Biya's actions began as a prime minister between 1975-1982 and then became a president.

"He established an authoritarian system in Cameroon in the 1980s and has maintained his power ever since," wrote the writer. 

Here is a list of world leaders with the longest periods of power in the contemporary era as of February 2026:

• Paul Biya (Cameroon): 50 years
• Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo (Equatorial Guinea): 46 years
• Ali Khamenei (Iran): 44 years
• Yoweri Museveni (Uganda): 40 years
• Isaias Afwerki (Eritrea): 34 years
• Emomali Rahmon (Tajikistan): 33 years
• Alexander Lukashenko (Belarus): 31 years
• Denis Sassou Nguesso (Republic of Congo): 28 years
• Ismaïl Omar Guelleh (Djibouti): 26 years
• Vladimir Putin (Russia): 26 years

Note that this list excludes members of royal families.

In addition, President Denis Sassou Nguesso of Congo-Brazzaville even started his first term in 1979, the same as Obiang, but was out of office for five years and returned to power in 1997 by military force.