The assassination attempt
The 1981 bombing left his right arm disabled for the rest of his life. He carried the injury as a mark of his service to the Revolution.
05 - The Life
Adulthood
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After the Revolution
After the victory of the Revolution in 1979, he moved from underground struggle into public office in the new Islamic Republic.
He served the young state through years when its institutions were being built under pressure. In 1981 he was seriously wounded in an assassination attempt that left his right arm permanently disabled.
Months later he was elected president, and he held the office while Iran fought the imposed war with Iraq. He served two terms, from 1981 to 1989.
Throughout these years his public speech returned constantly to the same themes: jihad, patience, national dignity, and reliance upon Allah.
October 1981
Imam Khomeini confirmed his election as President of the Republic.
Public Trust
Wound
Presidency
War
People
Four things defined his years of public office.
Two terms in office
He held executive responsibility from 1981 to 1989, during one of the hardest periods in modern Iranian history.
The imposed war
Iraq's invasion forced the young Republic to organize endurance, sacrifice, and self-reliance over eight years of war.
Friday prayer and public address
Alongside his offices he remained a preacher and teacher, leading Friday prayers and speaking directly to the people.
"The people of Iran managed to overthrow it with the power of faith, jihad and self-sacrifice."Ayatollah Khamenei, on the Islamic Revolution