khomeini

< /ruˈhoʊ lə; Persian ˌru hɔˈlɑ/, 1900?–89, Islamic leader of Iran 1979–89.

noun

1. Ruholla (ˈruhɒˈlɑː), known as Ayatollah Khomeini. 1900–89, Iranian Shiite Muslim religious and political leader. Following the overthrow of the shah of Iran (1979) he returned from exile and instituted an Islamic republic. His rule saw deteriorating relations with the West and war (1980–88) with Iraq