Ali Khamenei’s Body Arrives in Iraq as Thousands Gather for Historic Funeral Processions

Ali Khamenei’s Body Arrives in Iraq as Thousands Gather for Historic Funeral Processions

The body of Iran’s Supreme Leader, , arrived at on Tuesday night, marking the beginning of a major phase in the late leader’s funeral ceremonies outside Iran.

According to Iraqi state media, the coffin was transported aboard a Mahan Air flight and received with full state honours by senior Iraqi and Iranian officials. Among those present were Iranian President , Iraqi Prime Minister , and , commander of Iran’s Quds Force.

Iraq Hosts Historic Funeral Ceremony

The arrival of Khamenei’s remains comes as Iran continues six days of national mourning following the Supreme Leader’s death in U.S.-Israeli airstrikes during the opening day of the recent Middle East conflict.

The Iraqi government declared Wednesday a public holiday to allow millions of mourners to participate in funeral processions through the country’s holiest Shia cities.

At Najaf International Airport, red carpets lined the terminal while Islamic calligraphy and giant portraits of Khamenei welcomed dignitaries and supporters arriving for the ceremony.

Massive Procession Planned in Najaf

Funeral events will begin at 6:00 a.m. local time in , where thousands of mourners have already gathered.

The six-kilometre procession will end at the revered , one of the most sacred sites in Shia Islam. Streets across the city have been decorated with banners, flags, and large portraits honouring the late Iranian leader.

Mohammed al-Bayati, a 30-year-old mourner who travelled several hours to attend the event, described the occasion as "an opportunity that cannot be missed."

He said he came to honour "the leader who challenged the power of America and Israel."

Karbala to Host Second Funeral Procession

Following the ceremonies in Najaf, Khamenei’s body will be flown to , where another large procession will conclude at the sacred and the .

The events are expected to attract huge crowds from Iraq, Iran, and other Shia communities across the Middle East.

Final Burial in Iran

After the Iraqi ceremonies conclude, Khamenei’s remains will return to Iran for burial on Thursday in his hometown of .

The funeral marks one of the largest public mourning events in the region in recent years, reflecting Khamenei’s decades-long influence on Iran and the wider Middle East.

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