Iran confirms death of Ayatollah Khamenei’s widow from wounds sustained in joint US and Israeli missile attack amid expanding Middle East conflict
TEHRAN: Mansoureh Khojasteh Bagherzadeh, the 78‑year‑old widow of Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has Martyred from injuries sustained in a US and Israeli missile strike on Tehran, Iranian state media reported, intensifying the emotional and political reverberations of a rapidly escalating Middle East conflict.
State broadcasters confirmed Bagherzadeh succumbed to wounds inflicted during last week’s barrage that targeted Iran’s capital as part of a major joint offensive by Washington and Tel Aviv. Iranian officials say the strikes also killed Khamenei at his fortified compound, an assertion acknowledged in part by US sources.
Bagherzadeh, a respected figure in clerical circles and long‑time partner of Khamenei, was known for her advocacy of social and religious programmes. Her death drew official condolences from senior clerics and state leaders who lauded her dedication.
The incident comes amid intensified regional hostilities. Iran has since launched missiles and drones toward Israeli territory and US military sites in the Gulf, triggering defensive alerts and civilian casualties across neighbouring countries.
Iran has declared 40 days of mourning, with large crowds in cities including Tehran and Isfahan attending official grieving events, while signs of internal divisions have also emerged.
Political and religious organisations across Pakistan condemned the killing of Khamenei, denouncing it as a violation of international law and warning of further destabilisation.
As the conflict deepens, global responses remain split. Some world powers urge de‑escalation and dialogue, while others justify the offensive as necessary to curb Tehran’s nuclear and missile ambitions. The intensifying crisis continues to strain diplomatic avenues and fuel calls for an immediate ceasefire.
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