Iran is set to bury the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the holy city of Mashhad following a series of large funeral processions in Iraq’s sacred cities of Najaf and Karbala. The final stage of the week-long state funeral marks the conclusion of ceremonies that have drawn hundreds of thousands of mourners from across the region.
Khamenei’s coffin was carried through the streets of Najaf, home to the revered Shrine of Imam Ali, where thousands gathered to pay their respects. The procession then continued to Karbala, another significant destination for Shia Muslims, before preparations were made for the return of the body to Iran.
The burial will take place in Mashhad, Khamenei’s hometown, near the Imam Reza Shrine, one of the holiest sites in Shia Islam. Iranian authorities have described the funeral as one of the largest public ceremonies in the country’s history, with extensive security arrangements in place to manage the crowds.
Senior Iranian officials, military commanders, religious scholars, and delegations from several countries have participated in the funeral events. The ceremonies have also become a symbol of political unity, with leaders vowing to preserve Khamenei’s legacy and continue the policies of the Islamic Republic.
Authorities expect massive crowds to gather in Mashhad for the final burial ceremony, as thousands continue arriving from different provinces to attend the historic event. Security forces remain on high alert while officials oversee the final preparations for the burial, bringing to a close several days of mourning observed across Iran and neighboring Iraq.
