Mortal remains of Supreme Leader Khamenei reached Najaf, Iraq, funeral ceremony in Karbala, security forces alert
Najaf, Iraq. The funeral procession of Iran’s late supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in an attack by America and Israel, was held on Wednesday in the Iraqi city of Najaf in the presence of thousands of mourners. Khamenei’s several-day funeral procession in Iran began on Saturday. In view of this, the authorities had closed roads, airspace and daily activities in Tehran.
Body will be taken to Karbala, ceasefire talks put on hold
Khamenei’s body will later be taken from Najaf to Karbala and then brought back to Iran. It appears that talks on a ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran have been put on hold until Khamenei is laid to rest. However, attacks by both sides in the Persian Gulf on Tuesday and Wednesday have increased the risk of the interim agreement to end the war breaking down.
Tension increases in the Gulf, retaliatory attacks from America and Iran
The US military launched “retaliatory strikes” on Iran early Wednesday after attacks on three ships in the Strait of Hormuz and also suspended the license that allows Iran to sell crude oil openly on the global market. After this action of America, Iran attacked Bahrain and Kuwait in response. Earlier, America had said that Iran had attacked three ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s President and senior officials at the funeral
Khamenei’s body was flown Tuesday to the Iraqi city considered one of the holiest cities for millions of Shia Muslims around the world. Iranian President Massoud Pejeshkian, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and other senior officials also arrived in Najaf. During this time, some people were carrying photographs of the late supreme leader while others were seen mourning on the streets.
Khamenei’s body was placed in a coffin draped with the Iranian flag and covered with glass. Mourners waved the Iranian flag as well as red and black flags symbolizing mourning and revenge. Jafar Jawad, who attended the funeral, said, “We the people of Iraq will remain an eyesore for our enemies.” It is the greatest honor for us to bring him (Khamenei’s mortal remains) among us. Insha Allah, we will remain loyal to them.
Namaz will be offered at the dargah of Imam Ali and Imam Hussain.
The funeral prayers will be offered at the shrine of Imam Ali in Najaf. Mohammad Taqi al-Hakim, a senior scholar at the Institute of Religious Education in Najaf, will offer this prayer. In Karbala, another holy city for Shia Muslims, Abdul Mahdi al-Karbalai, the representative of Iraq’s top Shia religious authority, will lead prayers at the shrine of Imam Hussein.
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