INTERNATIONAL — March 13, 2026

Iranian Media Reports Khamenei's Wife Alive After Earlier Death Claims

Iranian media, including Fars News Agency, has denied earlier reports that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's wife died in U.S. and Israeli strikes, confirming she is alive. The clarification follows a message from Mojtaba Khamenei listing other family deaths but omitting his mother.

The Ehtebar Desk — originates with Khaama Press2 min read

Iranian Media Reports Khamenei's Wife Alive After Earlier Death Claims
Image courtesy Khaama Press

Iranian media has stated that Mansoureh Khojasteh Bagherzadeh, wife of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, is alive, contradicting prior reports of her death from injuries sustained in recent attacks.

The Fars News Agency reported that initial claims of her death were incorrect. Earlier, unspecified Iranian outlets had suggested she died during strikes by the United States and Israel targeting Iranian leadership.

Mojtaba Khamenei, referred to as Iran's new leader, released a message on Thursday night confirming the deaths of his father, wife, sister, a nephew, and a brother-in-law in the attacks, but made no mention of his mother.

The strikes, described by Iranian authorities as killing several members of the leadership circle, have heightened tensions in the Middle East. An Iran-aligned militia in Iraq claimed responsibility for downing a U.S. military refueling aircraft amid the confrontations.

The developments reflect ongoing military exchanges and conflicting reports surrounding the crisis in Iran and the broader region.

Read the original reporting at Khaama Press

Reliability assessment

Single source citing named Iranian outlet (Fars News) and a message from Mojtaba Khamenei, but reports conflicting prior claims from other Iranian media; core claim about the wife's status remains contested and second-hand.

The source language mixes facts with framing or advocacy wording. 'significantly escalated tensions', 'raising concerns about a broader conflict', 'rapidly evolving crisis' – mild emotional framing and advocacy phrasing implying severity and urgency.

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InternationalIran, Ali Khamenei, US strikes, Israel, Middle East

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