Funeral Processions for Iran's Slain Supreme Leader Begin in Iraq's Najaf

Thousands of mourners gathered in Iraq's Najaf on July 8, 2026, as funeral processions for Iran's slain Supreme Leader began in the holy city. m. local time. The processions mark the second day of ceremonies in Iraq after Iran began six days of public funeral events on Saturday.

Officials received the remains at Najaf international airport on Tuesday night.

Khamenei's coffin moved through Najaf streets toward the shrine of Imam Ali. The city ranks as the third holiest site in Shia Islam after Mecca and Medina. No exact count of mourners exists, but reports indicate hundreds of thousands attended. The city regularly hosts large pilgrimages, and this event ranks among its most significant.

After Najaf, the body travels to Karbala, about 60 kilometers north, for another procession at the shrines of Imam Hussein and his brother Abbas. Burial occurs Thursday in Mashhad, Iran. Mojtaba Khamenei has not appeared publicly since taking over as supreme leader. Officials stated he sustained wounds in the air strikes that killed his father, though injury severity remains unclear.

Qaani, head of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard

Corps' Quds Force, praised the planning by Iraqi officials. He said the event demonstrates the spiritual bond between the two nations.