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Iraq has declared a public holiday as it prepares to host funeral processions for Iran's late supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, in the Shia holy cities of Najaf and Karbala. Khamenei's remains were formally received on Tuesday night at Najaf international airport by Iraqi officials and senior politicians, including Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

The marathon funeral ceremonies, which began in Iran on Saturday and include a dedicated day for Iraq, are intended to project an image of strength and unity for the Islamic republic. This follows the recent Middle East war, which Iran states began with US-Israeli strikes that killed Khamenei and several relatives on February 28.

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an opportunity not to be missed to participate in the funeral of the person who challenged the power of America and Israel

Huge crowds are anticipated in Najaf and Karbala, where streets are adorned with banners welcoming Khamenei and large portraits of the leader. One banner in Karbala proclaimed, "the one who humiliated America." Khamenei's final burial is scheduled for tomorrow in his hometown of Mashhad, located in northeastern Iran.

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we bid you farewell

For many Iraqi mourners, like Mohammed al-Bayati, 30, participating in the funeral is a significant opportunity to honor "the person who challenged the power of America and Israel." The processions will culminate at the revered shrines of Imam Ali in Najaf and Imam Hussein and his brother Abbas in Karbala, sites central to Shia history and pilgrimage.

The deep spiritual and political bond between Shia-majority Iraq and Iran underpins the significance of these ceremonies. The shared religious heritage, particularly the commemoration of Hussein's martyrdom, draws millions annually to these Iraqi cities and fosters a strong connection between the two nations.

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the one who humiliated America