Mansoureh Khojasteh Bagherzadeh, wife of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has died after suffering injuries in the US-Israeli strikes, Iranian media reported. She was 79.
According to the Tasnim news agency, she was in a coma since Saturday, when coordinated airstrikes targeted Tehran. The attack killed Khamenei, who was 86, along with four members of his family, including his daughter and a grandchild. Iranian state media confirmed his death on Sunday, reported NDTV.
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The couple married in 1964 and reportedly had six children. Bagherzadeh largely stayed out of public life, and little was known about her role beyond her position as the spouse of Iran’s most powerful figure.
Senior leaders among those killed
The strikes also claimed the lives of Ali Shamkhani, a senior adviser to Khamenei, and General Mohammad Pakpour, head of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards.
One prominent figure who survived, Ali Larijani, head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, has vowed defiance in the aftermath of the attacks.
Khamenei had led Iran since 1989, succeeding Ruhollah Khomeini, founder of the Islamic Revolution. Over more than three decades in power, his leadership was marked by firm opposition to Western influence. State media has described his death as the "Martyrdom of the Guardian," portraying it as a final sacrifice rather than a defeat.
Escalation and uncertain transition
Beyond the leadership compound, Iranian officials said ballistic missile sites, naval headquarters and warships were also struck. Tehran stated that the Natanz nuclear enrichment facility was targeted, though Israel and the United States have not confirmed strikes on the site. Israel has said it is focusing on Iran’s "leadership and nuclear infrastructure".
Khamenei had not publicly named a successor. In response, Iran has formed a three-member leadership council. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said a new supreme leader would be chosen in "one or two days".
Meanwhile, reports from within Iran describe scattered celebrations following the announcement of Khamenei’s death. Monitoring developments on the ground remains challenging due to internet restrictions across the country.
