Post by : Bianca
Haleem
The coffin of Iran’s slain Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, arrived in the holy Iraqi city of Najaf on Tuesday after funeral ceremonies were held in Iran. The arrival marked the next stage of a multi-day funeral procession following Khamenei’s death in a February 28 U.S.-Israeli strike.
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, along with senior government officials, received the coffin at Najaf International Airport. According to Iraqi state television, official funeral ceremonies and a large public procession are planned in the city.
Najaf Holds Deep Religious Importance
Najaf is one of the most sacred cities in Shi'ite Islam. It is the burial place of Imam Ali, the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Mohammad, making it an important destination for Shi'ite Muslims from around the world.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also arrived in Najaf to take part in the funeral ceremonies.
Public Mourning Procession Planned
Following the official reception at the airport, Iraqi political leaders and Shi'ite religious figures joined the ceremonies before the coffin was prepared for a public procession through Najaf.
Large crowds of mourners are expected to participate in the public mourning events scheduled for Wednesday.
Funeral Procession Continues Across the Region
Iran’s state-organized funeral ceremonies began on Friday. The events have been presented as both a religious tribute and a display of continuity by the Islamic Republic after the death of the leader who ruled Iran for nearly four decades.
Read More: General Ahmad Vahidi Emerges as Tehran Prepares for Khamenei's Weeklong Funeral
The funeral procession first moved from Tehran to the Shi'ite religious city of Qom before crossing into Iraq and reaching Najaf.
Security Tightened Ahead of the Procession
Iraqi authorities increased security measures across Najaf before the coffin's arrival as large numbers of mourners traveled from different parts of Iraq and neighboring countries to attend the ceremonies.
After the events in Najaf, the procession is scheduled to continue to the Iraqi shrine city of Karbala. The coffin will then return to Iran, where Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is expected to be buried in Mashhad later this week.
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