Iranian state television has reported that Mansoureh Khojasteh Bagherzadeh, wife of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has died at the age of 79 after sustaining injuries in the same reported U.S.-Israeli airstrike that allegedly killed her husband at their residence in Tehran. According to official accounts, she passed away two days after Khamenei, with authorities framing her death as an act of martyrdom.
State media described her passing as the realization of a long-held aspiration and suggested it would strengthen national resolve against foreign adversaries. The announcement followed confirmation of Khamenei’s reported death, prompting officials to declare a 40-day national mourning period along with a seven-day public holiday. Bagherzadeh married Khamenei in 1965, and together they raised six children. In past remarks, she described her role as maintaining a stable home environment to support her husband’s responsibilities. She also acknowledged limited involvement during the revolutionary period, including distributing materials and relaying messages.
Her reported death comes amid intensifying conflict between Iran and U.S.-Israeli forces. Iranian officials say hundreds have been killed across the country, with numerous cities affected by ongoing strikes. Authorities have condemned the attacks and accused their opponents of targeting critical infrastructure, including nuclear-related facilities.
Despite the escalation, early signs of potential diplomacy have emerged, as U.S. officials indicate Iran’s leadership may be open to negotiations in the near future.
