Khamenei’s Final Journey to Include Iraq’s Holy Cities Before Burial in Mashhad
Iran has announced plans for an extensive farewell procession for former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with ceremonies set to take place across both Iran and Iraq before his burial in the northeastern Iranian city of Mashhad.
According to Tehran Mayor Alireza Zakani, funeral and memorial events will be held from July 4 to July 9. He stated that major ceremonies are scheduled in Iraq on July 8, followed by Khamenei’s burial in Mashhad on July 9.
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Although officials have not publicly outlined the full route, a source close to the Iranian embassy in Iraq said Khamenei’s body is expected to arrive in the holy city of Najaf, home to the shrine of Imam Ali. The source said a formal reception involving political figures and religious leaders would take place at the airport before the body is taken to the revered shrine.
The planned itinerary reportedly includes a transfer to Karbala, where thousands are expected to participate in a public procession near the shrine of Imam Hussein. After the ceremonies, the body would return to Najaf before being flown to Mashhad for its final resting place.
Iraq holds special religious significance for Shia Muslims and hosts some of Islam’s most important holy sites, making its inclusion in the funeral arrangements particularly symbolic.
Meanwhile, Iranian authorities are preparing for massive crowds in Tehran. Zakani said officials expect close to 20 million people to take part in the capital’s farewell events, describing the anticipated turnout as unprecedented in the city’s history.
The expected gathering would surpass the crowds reported during the 1989 funeral of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, when Iranian media estimated that nearly 10 million mourners attended ceremonies for the founder of the Islamic Republic.
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