The funeral processions for martyr Ali Khamenei continued in Iraq on Wednesday as thousands of mourners gathered in the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala to pay their final respects before his burial in Mashhad, Iran, on Thursday.
The funeral ceremonies are part of a six day national mourning program organized by Iran following the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed during the recent conflict involving the United States and Israel. After funeral events in Iran, Khamenei’s coffin arrived at Najaf International Airport, where it was received by senior Iraqi officials, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, religious scholars, and members of Khamenei’s family.
Iraqi authorities declared Wednesday a public holiday to allow people from across the country to participate in the funeral events. Security was significantly increased throughout the procession routes as large crowds filled the streets. Many mourners tried to get close to the coffin to offer prayers and pay their respects while it was transported toward the Shrine of Imam Ali (AS).
Following prayers led by prominent clerics in Najaf, the coffin was taken to Karbala, where another emotional procession passed through the holy shrines of Imam Hussain (AS) and Hazrat Abbas (RA). Volunteers distributed food and drinks to visitors throughout the day, reflecting the spirit of hospitality traditionally seen during major religious gatherings.
Many attendees described Khamenei as a leader who stood firmly against American and Israeli influence in the region. People traveled from different Iraqi provinces, including Basra, to take part in the ceremonies, believing the occasion carried deep religious and historical significance.
Iranian officials also emphasized the close relationship between Iraq and Iran, describing the massive public participation as a symbol of the strong spiritual bond shared by the two neighboring nations. The funeral ceremonies will conclude on Thursday when martyr Ali Khamenei is laid to rest in his hometown of Mashhad in northeastern Iran, bringing the days of mourning to an end.
