Over the next three decades, Khamenei turned Iran around into as assertive power wielding influence across the Middle East. One major boost was the U.S.’s 2003 ouster of Saddam Hussein, which eventually brought Iranian-allied Shiite politicians and militias to power in Iraq.

An Iranian Jewish leader denounced Israel's "savage" attacks against Iran as tensions remain high in the region this week. Newsweek reached out to the Israeli Foreign Affairs Ministry for comment via email.

Israelis now realize that a tit-for-tat with Iran is nothing like a barrage of rockets from Palestinian militants in the Gaza, or from Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon. The