Iraqi authorities are finalizing security and logistical arrangements ahead of funeral ceremonies for the late Leader of the Islamic Revolution Imam Sayyed Ali Khamenei, set to be held in the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala.
Following extensive farewell ceremonies in Tehran and Qom, the next stage of the multi-day funeral program will take place in Iraq on Wednesday, before concluding on July 9 in Mashhad, Imam Khamenei’s hometown, where he will be laid to rest at the holy Imam Reza Shrine.
The Iraqi Joint Operations Command, held a coordination meeting with senior leaders of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) to review final preparations for the funeral procession, Iraqi media reported.
According to a PMF statement, officials reviewed security, organizational, and logistical plans for the ceremonies, along with mechanisms for coordination among the various participating bodies.
Preparations across the holy city of Najaf, including at Najaf International Airport, were completed ahead of the arrival of the martyred Imam Khamenei’s coffin later Tuesday.
Preparations across the holy city of Najaf, including at the Najaf International Airport, were completed ahead of the historic funeral ceremonies held for late Leader of the Islamic Revolution Imam Sayyed Ali Khamenei in the Iraqi holy cities of Najaf and Karbala. pic.twitter.com/GymF55l4BO
— Al-Manar English (@manarenglish) July 7, 2026
Elsewhere in the holy city of Karbala, the General Secretariat of the Holy Imam Hussein Shrine announced in an official statement the completion of its service and organizational preparations to receive the funeral procession of the martyred Leader.
The body added that the Imam Hussein Shrine administration has finalized preparations for procession routes and crowd movement, including deploying service and medical teams and organizing main entry and exit points. Arrangements have also been completed inside the shrine for prayers to be led by Sheikh Abdul Mahdi al-Karbalai, representative of the Supreme Religious Authority.
On the media front, the shrine announced a comprehensive plan to hold media coverage of the procession and facilitate the work of local, Arab, and international outlets.
The administration said all staff are operating with a high sense of responsibility, urging participants to cooperate with organizers to ensure the smooth running of the ceremony.
“Deep Ties between Irani, Iraqi Nations”
Commenting on the preparations, Quds Force Commander Brigadier General Esmail Qaani said the funeral procession in Iraq and the extensive arrangements for the event reflected the depth of relations between the Iranian and Iraqi nations.
Qaani said the ceremony would strengthen the resolve of both nations in confronting US schemes, adding that the procession would resemble the commemorations held for the late IRGC’s Quds Force commander General Qassem Soleimani and former PMF deputy chief Abu Mahdi Al-Muhandis.
Meanwhile, senior Iraqi cleric Sayyed Ammar Al-Hakim said the planned funeral processions in Iraq would serve as a public expression of solidarity between the Iraqi and Iranian peoples.
In an interview with Lebanon’s Al-Mayadeen network, Al-Hakim, who heads Iraq’s National Wisdom Movement coalition, said the ceremonies would provide Iraqis with an opportunity to express support for the Iranian people, share their grief, and honor the late Leader.
Source: Al-Manar English Website