“All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.” George Orwell.

It was not only Israel which had a perceived security threat from Iran; the Gulf States were also apprehensive of its growing political and strategic inroads into Arab countries from Iraq to Syria, Palestine, Lebanon and Yemen, though it has never harboured plans for territorial expansion. The USA never tried to unhinge its policy towards Iran from the misplaced security threats felt by Israel and its Arab allies. President Trump withdrew the USA from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) at the prompting of Israel and Saudi Arabia.

The USA and Israeli leaders viewed Ali Khamenei as a hardliner and the man behind Iran's hardline policy towards Israel. No doubt, he was one of the most popular post-revolutionary leaders and remained at the helm, first as President and later as the Supreme Leader, since 1981. He had his stamp on every institution and on the institutional policy of the country.

He was a close ally of the IRGC. He enjoyed absolute power. In the presence of a Supreme Leader of the stature of Ali Khamenei, the Presidency was relegated to the second position in terms of political and strategic power. I doubt he was a hardliner.

Ali Khamenei represented the resilience of the Iranian revolution, the steadfast determination and pride of his nation, and the strong will of the Iranian people. True to his faith, he lived a humble, simple and modest life, away from displays of power and extravagance, both in personal as well as official matters. He had a........

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