Iran thanks Iraq, Georgia for role in Supreme Leader's funeral

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi expressed gratitude to Iraq on Wednesday for its significant role in the funeral ceremonies of the former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Araghchi emphasized the profound, deep-rooted ties that bind the two neighboring nations, extending beyond mere geography.

“

All gratitude and appreciation to the brotherly Iraq--its government, people, and religious authorities--for the warm hospitality and dignified farewell in escorting our martyred Imam with broad popular participation.

In a statement on X, Araghchi conveyed his "All gratitude and appreciation to the brotherly Iraq--its government, people, and religious authorities--for the warm hospitality and dignified farewell in escorting our martyred Imam with broad popular participation." He further elaborated that "The bonds between Iran and Iraq transcend geographical borders and neighborly ties, extending to a deeply rooted history, shared values, and a common destiny." He concluded by thanking "the Iraq of generosity and authenticity for this loyalty."

“

The bonds between Iran and Iraq transcend geographical borders and neighborly ties, extending to a deeply rooted history, shared values, and a common destiny.

Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian extended his thanks to Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili for attending Khamenei's funeral ceremony and conveying condolences on behalf of Georgia. Pezeshkian noted that the presence of President Kavelashvili would be remembered in the "historical memory of two friendly nations with 3000-year-old relations." He expressed optimism for deepening Iran-Georgia relations based on mutual respect and constructive cooperation.

“

Thank you to the Iraq of generosity and authenticity for this loyalty.

Ayatollah Khamenei's body arrived in the Iraqi holy city of Karbala on Wednesday, following a large funeral procession in Najaf, where millions of mourners gathered. The funeral events, including ceremonies in Tehran, Qom, Najaf, and Karbala, were set to continue, with Khamenei's body scheduled to be laid to rest in Mashhad on Thursday. Khamenei had consistently emphasized strengthening ties with neighboring countries, and his meeting with Georgian Orthodox Church leader Ilia II was highlighted as a significant moment in bilateral relations.

“

The presence of His Excellency Mr. Mikheil Kavelashvili at the funeral ceremony of the Supreme Leader of Iran and the condolences he expressed on behalf of the government and people of Georgia will remain in the historical memory of two friendly nations with 3000-year-old relations.