Large crowds gathered in Iraq’s holy cities of Najaf and Karbala on Wednesday as funeral processions were held for Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, whose burial is scheduled to take place on Thursday in his hometown of Mashhad in northeastern Iran.
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The ceremonies form part of six days of public mourning announced by Iran following Khamenei’s death. Iraqi authorities declared a public holiday to facilitate the commemorative events, while security was significantly strengthened as thousands of mourners assembled along the procession routes.
The coffin arrived at Najaf International Airport on Tuesday night, where it was received by Iraqi officials, senior political figures, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and members of Khamenei’s family. The funeral procession then moved through Najaf toward the shrine of Imam Ali (AS), where clerics offered prayers before the remains were taken onward to Karbala.
In Karbala, the procession continued toward the shrines of Imam Hussain (AS) and Hazrat Abbas (RA), with mourners carrying banners, portraits and religious flags. Volunteers also established food and drink stalls along the routes to serve participants attending the ceremonies.
The funeral events coincided with renewed military tensions between the United States and Iran following reported attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and subsequent US strikes on Iranian targets. The latest escalation has increased uncertainty surrounding diplomatic efforts aimed at preserving the ceasefire reached last month.
Iranian officials described the large turnout in Iraq as a reflection of the close religious and political ties between the two neighboring countries. Esmail Qaani, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Quds Force, said the ceremonies demonstrated the deep spiritual connection shared by the people of Iran and Iraq.
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Many mourners traveled from different Iraqi provinces to participate in the funeral processions. Several attendees said they viewed the gathering as an opportunity to pay tribute to Khamenei, while authorities continued to monitor security throughout the events.
Khamenei’s final burial ceremony is scheduled to be held in Mashhad on Thursday.