Leader praises Iraqi nation for massive funeral turnout for Ayatollah Khamenei

Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei issued a message on July 17, 2026, thanking the Iraqi people for their massive turnout at the funeral rites of the late leader. The message, published on rahbar.ir, addressed the esteemed religious authorities, scholars, professors, intellectuals, commanders, tribal leaders, and citizens of Iraq.

The message highlighted the deep spiritual connection between Iraq and the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them), noting that Iraq is blessed to host the holy shrines. It praised the Iraqi people for their cultural heritage, the Islamic seminary of Najaf, and their role in the Resistance Front. The leader described the funeral procession as a monumental epic of grief and devotion, comparable to the Iranian people's reception.

The message recalled that Iraq became a blessed land when Imam Ali (a.s.) set foot there, and the people embraced love for him and his descendants. Despite periods of tyranny, this love remained. The Arbaeen Walk, emerging after the fall of the Ba'athist regime, exemplifies this devotion. The leader noted that the Iraqi people welcomed the martyred leader, who was returning to the holy shrines after years of separation, with their entire being.

The unprecedented million-strong funeral demonstrated the empathy and solidarity between Iran and Iraq. The leader stated that the Global Arrogance witnessed this gathering with trepidation, realizing that their efforts to undermine relations between the two nations have failed. The turnout of tens of millions in both countries has opened a new chapter of awakening aimed at altering the equations designed by the Arrogant Powers.

The message concluded by expressing hope that the Iraqi nation will welcome Arbaeen pilgrims, including those performing the pilgrimage on behalf of the martyred leader. The slogan "The love of Hussein unites us" will be displayed before the world, and the prayers of Imam Mahdi (may God hasten his reappearance) will bring security and progress to Iraq. According to Mehr News, the message was signed by Sayyid Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei.