In the event of widespread confusion and rumors, Iran’s state media has clarified that Mansoureh Khojasteh Bagherzadeh, the wife of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is alive. Earlier reports claiming she had died from injuries during a US–Israeli strike in Tehran were incorrect.
The false news circulated after the February 28 attacks that killed Khamenei, marking a shocking moment for the country and drawing global attention. Initial reports suggested that Bagherzadeh, 79, had also been fatally wounded. But on March 12, Iranian state outlets, including the Fars News Agency, issued corrections, stating clearly that she is safe.
Officials have not shared details about her current health or whereabouts. Her low public profile, she rarely appeared in public during her husband’s decades in power, has fueled speculation and made verification difficult.
Bagherzadeh married Ali Khamenei in 1964, and the couple had six children. Over the years, she mostly stayed out of the spotlight, living a private life despite her proximity to one of the world’s most powerful leaders.
The confusion over her status highlights the chaotic flow of information following the strikes. As Tehran recovers from the attacks, which caused significant casualties and damage, misinformation and unconfirmed reports have spread rapidly, leaving many unsure about the fate of key figures.
While the country mourns the loss of Khamenei, officials are emphasizing that Bagherzadeh’s life has been spared. The Iranian government’s clarification brings some relief amid a period of fear and uncertainty for her family and the public.
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