NAJAF: Thousands of mourners gathered in the Iraqi holy cities of Najaf and Karbala on Wednesday as the coffin of Iran’s late Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, was carried through the cities as part of six days of public funeral ceremonies following his assassination.
The processions, organised as a dedicated day of mourning in Iraq, followed ceremonies in Iran and came ahead of Khamenei’s scheduled burial on Thursday in his hometown of Mashhad.
Iraqi authorities declared Wednesday a public holiday to facilitate the funeral events, while security forces were deployed across the procession routes.
How Did the Funeral Processions Unfold?
Khamenei’s remains arrived at Najaf International Airport on Tuesday night, where they were received by Iraqi officials, senior political leaders and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
The funeral procession began in Najaf before moving to the shrine of Imam Ali Shrine, where clerics offered funeral prayers. The coffin was later transported to Karbala for another procession ending at the shrines of Imam Hussain Shrine and Al-Abbas Shrine.
Witnesses reported large crowds lining the routes, with many mourners attempting to touch the coffin as it passed.
How Does the Funeral Coincide With Renewed Regional Tensions?
The funeral ceremonies are taking place as military tensions between the United States and Iran have escalated once again in the Strait of Hormuz.
The latest exchanges followed US strikes on multiple Iranian targets after attacks on commercial vessels in the strategic waterway. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards subsequently announced strikes on US military facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait.
The renewed hostilities have added pressure to diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the broader regional conflict.
Who Attended the Funeral?
Among those present at the airport reception was Khamenei’s eldest son, Mostafa Khamenei.
His successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, who assumed leadership following his father’s death, has not appeared publicly since his appointment and has communicated only through written statements.
Iranian officials and senior Iraqi political figures also attended the ceremonies.
Why Is Iraq Hosting Part of the Funeral?
The funeral processions reflect the close religious and political ties between Iran and Iraq, particularly around the Shiite holy cities of Najaf and Karbala.
Iranian officials described the ceremonies as a demonstration of the longstanding relationship between the two countries, while large numbers of Iraqi mourners travelled from across the country to participate in the events.
Khamenei’s funeral ceremonies will conclude on Thursday with his burial in Mashhad.