Iran FM Araghchi thanks Iraq for hosting funeral of martyred Leader

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi issued a message to the people and government of Iraq, expressing gratitude on behalf of the Iranian nation and government for the successful organization of the historic funeral ceremonies for the martyred Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Araghchi thanked Iraqi authorities, senior religious leaders, tribal chiefs, shrine custodians, security forces, the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), and thousands of volunteers who contributed to the event.

Araghchi stated that the reception, hospitality, and participation of millions of Iraqis in bidding farewell to the martyred Leader reflected an unparalleled display of generosity, Islamic brotherhood, and solidarity. He noted that the ceremonies in Najaf and Karbala once again demonstrated the profound religious, historical, and cultural bonds uniting Iran and Iraq.

The funeral processions in Iraq were historic and unprecedented, held over the past day in the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala. Iraq witnessed two of the largest funeral gatherings in its modern history. In Najaf, an estimated 3.8 million mourners filled the streets around the holy shrine of Imam Ali (a.s.) for a massive farewell ceremony. The body of the martyred Leader was then taken to Karbala via the Arbaeen route.

These ceremonies in Iraq followed massive farewell gatherings in Tehran and Qom, where millions of Iranians bid farewell to the martyred Leader before his body was transferred to Iraq at the request of Iraqi religious scholars. According to Mehr News Agency, the events highlighted the strong ties between the two neighboring Muslim nations.