Martyred Leader’s Funeral in Najaf, Karbala Marked A Golden Chapter in Iran-Iraq Relations: FM

IQNA – Iran's foreign minister thanked Iraq for hosting the funeral procession of martyred Leader of Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, as millions of mourners filled the streets of Najaf and Karbala in a historic display of solidarity.

News ID: 3498171

Date: 09 July 2026 - 10:09

Abbas Araghchi thanked Iraq, its government,people, religious authorities and security forces for the warmth with which they received Ayatollah Khamenei's pure body and for the solemn dignity of the funeral rites held for the martyred Leader of the Ummah.

Araghchi said the ties between Iran and Iraq are not simply a matter of shared borders or neighborly courtesy, but are grounded in a long common history, shared values, and an intertwined future.

"Iraq is a land of generosity and authenticity, and we thank it for standing by us," he said.

Iraqi mourners began arriving in Najaf before sunrise Wednesday, and by midday, millions had gathered for the funeral procession, filling the city's streets in a display of grief and solidarity. The scenes marked one of the most significant stops yet in the funeral's journey through Iraq.

Iraqi tribes had welcomed the body of Iranian leader martyr Sayyed Ali Khamenei, with traditional chants, after his arrival along with the bodies of the other martyrs at the "Hussein Road" (also known as the Najaf-Karbala road), the primary pedestrian route connecting the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala in Iraq.

"What our dear Iraqi brothers and sisters demonstrated through their warm reception, generous hospitality, and their magnificent participation of millions in the funeral procession of the martyred Leader of the Islamic Revolution was an unparalleled manifestation of dignity, generosity, and Islamic brotherhood." Araghchi added.

Iran foreign minister stated that "This remarkable display of solidarity reflected the profound religious, historical, and cultural bonds between the two neighboring Muslim nations of Iran and Iraq, ties that have remained steadfast through the love of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) and once again embodied the enduring truth that 'Hubb al-Husayn Yajma'una' ('The love of  Imam Hussein unites us') before the eyes of the world."

"There is no doubt that what unfolded in the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala has become another golden chapter in the history of the fraternal and friendly relations between Iran and Iraq, relations rooted in shared Islamic ideals, common faith, and the unbreakable bonds between the two nations." Iranian top diplomat concluded.

Source: Iran MFA

https://t.me/MFAIran/35912