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Iranian state television has announced the death of Mansoureh Khojasteh Bagherzadeh, the 79-year-old wife of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, after she succumbed to injuries reportedly sustained in the same U.S.-Israeli airstrike that allegedly killed her husband at their residence in Tehran. Reports indicate she passed away two days after him, with Iranian officials framing her death as an act of martyrdom.
State media emphasized that her “long-held dream of martyrdom” had been fulfilled, portraying her passing as a symbol that could strengthen national unity and resistance against foreign adversaries. The announcement followed closely behind an emotional confirmation of Khamenei’s death, after which authorities declared a 40-day national mourning period and a seven-day public holiday.
Bagherzadeh married Khamenei in 1965, and together they had six children. In a previous interview with Iranian state media, she described her role as centered on maintaining a peaceful and stable home life, enabling her husband to focus on his leadership duties. She also reflected on her activities during the Iranian Revolution, recalling how she distributed pamphlets, delivered messages, and hid sensitive materials, though she downplayed the significance of her contributions.
Her death comes amid intensifying military conflict between Iran and U.S.-Israeli forces. Iranian officials report that hundreds of people have been killed nationwide, with dozens of cities impacted by ongoing strikes. Authorities have condemned the attacks as unlawful, accusing their opponents of deliberately targeting critical infrastructure, including nuclear facilities.
As retaliation spreads across the region, affecting multiple countries and key energy sites, tensions remain high. However, there are early indications of possible diplomatic movement, as U.S. officials suggest Iran’s emerging leadership may be open to negotiations, with talks potentially taking place in the near future.