Funeral processions for Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei began Wednesday in the Iraqi city of Najaf, drawing thousands of mourners. Khamenei died in late February at the age of 86, reportedly in U.S. and Israeli strikes that killed several senior Iranian leaders.
The Islamic Republic’s extended funeral for Khamenei commenced Saturday in Tehran, with authorities closing streets and airspace to accommodate commemorations. His body is scheduled to travel from Najaf to the city of Karbala before its return to Iran.
Khamenei's body arrived in Najaf on Tuesday, a significant site for Shiite Muslims worldwide. Welcoming him were senior officials, including Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Mourners carried portraits of the late leader and flags symbolizing mourning and revenge.
The casket, draped in Iran's flag, was placed in a glass case. Some attendees engaged in self-flagellation, while others chanted slogans. Muhammad Taqi al-Hakim, a senior scholar at the Najaf seminary, led funeral prayers at the Shrine of Imam Ali. The large crowds at the shrine pushed to get close to the casket, with some attempting to touch it.
"We, the people of Iraq, will remain a thorn in the eyes of the enemies," said Jaafar Jawad, a funeral attendee. "(His body arriving here) is the greatest possible honor, and God willing, we will be loyal and repay a little of his debt in the holy city of Najaf."
Later on Wednesday, the body is expected to be taken to Karbala, another holy city for Shiite Muslims. Abdul Mahdi al-Karbalaei, a representative of Iraq's top Shiite religious authority, is slated to lead prayers at the Imam Hussein Shrine there.
Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, who is believed to be in hiding after reportedly being wounded in the strike that killed his father, has not yet appeared at the funeral ceremonies. He is considered Iran's new supreme leader.
Meanwhile, ongoing conflict risks disrupting a fragile interim agreement to end a protracted war in the Middle East. Strikes were exchanged between the United States and Iran in the Persian Gulf on Tuesday and Wednesday. U.S. forces attacked Iran early Wednesday, stating that Tehran had struck three ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran subsequently launched retaliatory strikes on Kuwait and Bahrain. Talks between the U.S. and Iran are reportedly on hold until after the burial.