Domestic and foreign thinkers and writers, considering the significance and impact of Ayatollah Khamenei’s political views, have analyzed them from various perspectives. One of these approaches is the use of Skinner’s theory. In fact, the central question and objective of this research is how, based on Skinner’s theory, the evolution of Ayatollah Khamenei’s political thought—especially regarding the concept of Velayat-e Faqih—can be explained.



Using an explanatory method, it can be said that the epistemic framework of the Supreme Leader’s political thought—such as theology, anthropology, ontology, epistemology, and teleology—has been examined within the context of Islamic political thought. Then, by referring to the interrelation of theory and practice in his political thought, his positions on various aspects of Velayat-e Faqih have been analyzed across five periods.It can be argued that the Supreme Leader’s stances on the theory of Velayat-e Faqih should be considered in two dimensions: intellectual and executive. From the intellectual perspective, no structural epistemic shift has appeared in his political thought throughout the evolution of the Islamic Republic. However, due to the nature of his executive responsibilities (whether as president or as leader), the nature of internal and external threats, and the necessity of national development, his viewpoints have undergone transformations. These transformations can be categorized from several angles, including authority, private and public spheres, legitimacy and acceptability, efficiency, and considerations of expediency.