Mourners marched through Iraq’s holy city of Najaf on Wednesday, following the coffin of the slain Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The six-day funeral procession, which previously drew massive crowds in his home country of Iran, has now pressed on across the border. This significant International development has drawn global attention to the mourning events in the region.

Massive Crowds and Slogans in Najaf

People carrying large portraits of the late leader gathered along the procession route, chanting "Death to America" and "Death to Israel" as Khamenei’s coffin was driven through the streets on a large truck. Iraqi and Iranian flags fluttered above the massive crowd, alongside the banners of powerful Iran-backed Iraqi militias whose supporters actively joined the march.

Religious Significance of Najaf

The city of Najaf holds deep religious significance for Shi’ite Muslims worldwide, as it is the burial place of Imam Ali, the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Mohammad. Khamenei’s coffin arrived on Tuesday evening at Najaf’s international airport, where it was met with an official reception attended by Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, senior administrative officials, and prominent religious figures.

Upcoming Procession Details

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and top commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) have arrived in Iraq to join the procession. Authorities expect the march to continue toward the Iraqi shrine city of Karbala before the coffin is ultimately returned to Iran for final burial.