Omanghana
Hundreds of thousands of mourners gathered in Iraq’s revered Shiite cities of Najaf and Karbala to take part in funeral processions for Iran’s late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as part of a multi-day state mourning ceremony.
The events represent a significant stage in the funeral proceedings described in the provided account, with ceremonies taking place amid a fragile ceasefire between Tehran and Washington.
Massive Crowds Gather in Najaf and Karbala
To accommodate the large number of pilgrims and mourners, Iraqi authorities declared a nationwide public holiday.
The Iraqi ceremonies followed several days of public mourning in major Iranian cities, including Tehran and Qom, before the funeral procession crossed into Iraq.
Procession Through Najaf
The day’s events began in the holy city of Najaf, where large crowds lined the streets as a truck carrying Khamenei’s coffin made its way through the city.
The procession concluded at the Shrine of Imam Ali, one of the holiest sites in Shiite Islam. Thousands of mourners gathered to pay their respects, with many attempting to touch the casket before funeral prayers were held.
Ceremony Continues in Karbala
Following the Najaf procession, the coffin was transported by air to Karbala, another of Shiite Islam’s most sacred cities.
Hundreds of thousands of mourners filled the roads leading to the shrines of Imam Hussein and Hazrat Abbas, where emotional crowds offered prayers and expressed their grief. Many also threw scarves and other personal items toward the casket as a symbolic gesture seeking blessings.
Political and Religious Symbolism on Display
The funeral processions were marked by a strong display of both religious devotion and political symbolism.
Many mourners carried portraits of the late Iranian leader while waving Iraqi and Iranian flags. Crowds also chanted anti-American and anti-Israeli slogans throughout the ceremonies.
Members of Iranian-backed Iraqi armed groups, including units affiliated with the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), marched alongside civilian mourners during the events.
Senior Officials Attend the Ceremonies
The funeral attracted several high-ranking officials from both Iraq and Iran.
Among those reported to have attended were Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, and senior commanders from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), including leaders of the Quds Force.
Their presence underscored the political and religious significance of the ceremonies.
Final Burial Planned in Mashhad
Following the conclusion of the Iraqi leg of the funeral, the body is scheduled to be flown back to northeastern Iran for burial.
According to the account, the final interment will take place in Mashhad at the Shrine of Imam Reza, one of Iran’s most important religious sites.
The report also states that Mojtaba Khamenei has assumed the role of Iran’s Supreme Leader following his father’s death.
Source: Omanghana
