Iran's FM Araghchi arrives in Najaf after Karbala visit

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi arrived in Najaf on Monday after visiting Karbala, marking the second leg of his visit to Iraq. Upon his arrival, Araghchi met and held talks with Governor of Najaf Youssef Ganawi. The visit follows extensive diplomatic and security briefings with senior officials in Baghdad on Sunday.

The primary objective of Araghchi's visit to the province is to establish a unified security and organizational protocol with local administrative authorities, shrine directorates, and Iraqi forces ahead of the funeral of the martyred Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. Making arrangements for the upcoming state funeral processions in Iraq has been cited as one of the main aims of his visit to the shrine cities.

According to the official schedule released by regional authorities, the body of the late Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, will be flown directly into Iraq on July 8, 2026. Following historic religious processions in Najaf and Karbala, the body will be returned to Iran for final burial on July 9 at the Imam Reza (AS) holy shrine in Mashhad.

The report by Mehr News Agency added that Araghchi's visit underscores the importance of coordination between Iran and Iraq for the funeral ceremonies, which are expected to draw large crowds of mourners.