Khamenei's funeral extends to Iraq amid Gulf tensions

Funeral processions for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei extended into Iraq this week, drawing thousands of mourners in the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala. The ceremonies mark a significant phase in days of mourning that began in Iran following the leader's death in late February.

Iranian authorities had previously halted daily life in Tehran for initial tributes, closing routes and restricting airspace as crowds bid farewell to the supreme leader. Khamenei, 86, was a central figure in the Islamic Republic for decades, known for his confrontational policy toward the West. He is among the most prominent Iranian leaders to have died since the war initiated by the United States and Israel began on February 28.

The transfer of Khamenei's body to Iraq, a crucial country for Shia Islam, represented a focal point of the funeral rites. Upon arrival in Najaf, one of the holiest cities for Shia Muslims worldwide, the coffin was met by a large crowd carrying portraits of the leader and Iranian flags. Mourners also displayed red and black banners associated with mourning and vengeance.

Amid scenes of intense emotion, some attendees engaged in self-flagellation while others pressed through the crowd to touch the coffin. Organizers intervened at several points to manage the flow, with volunteers forming human chains to clear a path for the procession towards the shrine of Imam Ali. The ceremonies later continued in Karbala, another major center for Shia Islam, where thousands gathered around the shrine of Imam Hussein.

The procession through Iraq follows extensive ceremonies in Iranian cities and is part of Tehran's broader strategy to project an image of internal unity after the war. The funeral is scheduled to conclude with the burial on Thursday.