Khamenei funeral procession draws thousands of mourners in Iraq

Crowds filled the streets of Najaf on Wednesday as the funeral procession for the late Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei moved through the holy city. The event, which marked a day dedicated to Iraq within a broader week of mourning, saw mourners gather in what officials described as a display of the deep spiritual and political ties between the two nations. Iraqi authorities declared the day a public holiday to accommodate the crowds as ceremonies commenced at 6am local time.

The remains of the leader arrived at Najaf international airport on Tuesday night, where they were received by senior Iraqi politicians and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. The late leader's eldest son, Mostafa Hosseini Khamenei, was also in attendance at the airport. The casket was subsequently transported through the city to the shrine of Imam Ali, the Prophet Muhammad’s son-in-law and the first Shia imam. A heavy security presence managed the throngs of people who moved toward the shrine, with many attempting to reach the vehicle carrying the coffin.

The funeral ceremonies follow the death of the Ayatollah in air strikes on 28 February, an event that triggered a wider conflict involving the United States and Israel. For the Iranian leadership, these processions serve as a mechanism to project unity and regional influence. The bond between the two countries has a complex history; after the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003, the states shifted from historical adversaries to key regional allies, with Tehran maintaining influence over various political and armed factions in Iraq. Some groups have actively engaged in the broader Middle East war in support of Iran.

The procession in Najaf carries added weight due to the city's status as a center for Shia religious seminaries and its proximity to the residence of Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani, the country's most senior religious authority. Following the ceremonies in Najaf, the procession is scheduled to travel north to Karbala, about 60km away, where it will culminate at the shrines of Imam Hussein and his brother Abbas. This route, which sees millions of pilgrims annually, highlights the religious dimension of the alliance. Esmail Qaani, head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Quds Force, noted the significance of the arrangements:

"The extensive planning for this historical event by the Iraqi government and people shows the depth of the spiritual bond between the two great nations of Iraq and Iran to the whole world."

Despite the public scale of the mourning, the transition of power remains clouded by uncertainty. Mojtaba Khamenei, who was nominated as the new supreme leader shortly after his father's death, has not appeared in public. Reports indicate he was wounded in the same February strikes that killed his father, though the specific nature of these injuries has not been clarified. He has communicated only through written statements since his nomination.

Tensions remain high across the region as the funeral occurs alongside renewed hostilities. The United States military reported strikes against dozens of Iranian targets following attacks on three ships in the Strait of Hormuz. In retaliation, Iran's Revolutionary Guards claimed they hit US facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait. These ongoing military engagements create a volatile backdrop to the public displays of grief, with some participants expressing defiance.

"an opportunity not to be missed to participate in the funeral of the person who challenged the power of America and Israel"

In Karbala, banners displayed photos of the late leader with captions such as, the one who humiliated America and we bid you farewell. Volunteer-run stalls serving food and drinks to mourners have lined the procession routes in both cities. The final burial is scheduled for Thursday in the leader's hometown of Mashhad, in northeast Iran.