Regional
Ayatollah’s wife dies from injuries sustained in airstrike on Tehran residence
Bagherzadeh, believed to have been in her late seventies, largely remained out of public view throughout her husband’s decades in power.
Mansoureh Khojasteh Bagherzadeh, the wife of Iran’s late supreme leader Ali Khamenei, has died after succumbing to injuries sustained in a recent airstrike on their residence in central Tehran, Iranian state media reported on Monday.
According to Iranian news outlets, including the semi-official Tasnim News Agency, Bagherzadeh had been in a coma since the strike, which took place two days ago. The attack, described by US officials as part of “Operation Epic Fury,” was reportedly carried out by the United States and Israel amid escalating hostilities with Iran.
Iranian authorities confirmed over the weekend that Khamenei was killed in the same strike, along with several members of his family and senior leaders who were present at the compound. State media characterized the attack as a major escalation and a severe blow to the country’s leadership structure.
Khamenei, 86, had served as Iran’s Supreme Leader since 1989, holding ultimate authority over the state, armed forces, and key institutions including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
His death marks one of the most consequential developments in the ongoing conflict and raises significant questions about Iran’s political succession and regional posture.
Bagherzadeh, believed to have been in her late seventies, largely remained out of public view throughout her husband’s decades in power. Married in the mid-1960s, the couple had six children. Despite her proximity to one of the region’s most powerful figures, she maintained a private life and held no official political role.
In a rare interview with Iranian state media in 2011, she described her role as creating a calm home environment to support her husband’s political responsibilities. She also recounted visiting him during his imprisonment under the Shah’s rule and assisting with revolutionary activities prior to 1979.
The killing of Khamenei and members of his family represents a dramatic turning point in the crisis, with regional and international observers warning of heightened instability in an already volatile security landscape.
Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran’s new leader, said on Thursday that Iran’s neighbors must close all U.S. bases on their territory, as Tehran will continue its attacks against them.
In his first statement, broadcast and read out by state television, Khamenei told the Iranian people: “I assure everyone that we will not neglect avenging the blood of your martyrs.”
He added: “The popular demand is to continue our effective defence and make the enemy regret! The lever of blocking the Strait of Hormuz must continue to be used.”
However, state television did not explain why Khamenei’s first remarks were read by a presenter rather than delivered in a video.
No images of him have yet been released since the strike that killed his father, Ali Khamenei.
In these remarks, Mojtaba Khamenei also confirmed that his wife, sister, and other family members were killed.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) says up to 3.2 million people have been displaced inside Iran since the conflict that erupted on February 28, warning that the humanitarian situation is rapidly worsening.
In a statement released Thursday, the UN refugee agency said the figure is based on preliminary assessments of uprooted households and could rise further if hostilities continue.
“This number is likely to increase as fighting persists, signaling a troubling escalation in humanitarian needs,” UNHCR said.
The agency noted that many of the displaced have fled their homes in search of safety, often moving to nearby provinces or staying with relatives and host communities. Others have sought temporary shelter in public buildings and informal settlements, placing additional pressure on local resources.
Humanitarian organizations say the sudden movement of millions of people is creating urgent needs for shelter, food, medical care and basic services. Aid agencies are working with local authorities to assess conditions and deliver assistance to affected communities.
The displacement crisis comes amid broader regional instability that has raised concerns among international organizations about the potential for further population movements both inside Iran and across borders.
UNHCR said it is continuing to monitor developments closely and is coordinating with humanitarian partners to scale up assistance as the situation evolves.
Regional
Trump on Iran: We won, but don’t want to leave early
Trump has seesawed on Iran, crediting the U.S. military for significantly degrading Iran’s military but resisting a speedy end to the conflict.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that “we won” the Iran war but that the United States will stay in the fight to finish the job.
“You never like to say too early you won. We won,” Trump told a campaign-style rally in Hebron, Kentucky. “In the first hour it was over.”
He said the United States had knocked out 58 Iranian naval ships.
Trump has seesawed on Iran, crediting the U.S. military for significantly degrading Iran’s military but resisting a speedy end to the conflict.
“We don’t want to leave early do we?” Trump said. “We got to finish the job.”
He said the United States has “virtually destroyed Iran.” He seemed to signal that the United States would continue the fight for now.
“We don’t want to go back every two years,” he said.
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