Iranian President Visits Karbala, Pays Tribute at Holy Shrines

Karbala, The Gulf Observer: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in the city of Karbala on Thursday evening, where he was warmly welcomed by the city’s governor. The president’s visit was part of a broader state visit to Iraq, during which he paid tribute at the revered shrines of the third Shiite Imam Hussain (AS) and Hazrat Abolfazl al-Abbas (AS).

Pezeshkian’s visit to Karbala was centered around religious observances, particularly in commemoration of Ashura, where he paid his respects to Imam Hussain (AS), Hazrat Abolfazl al-Abbas (AS), and their companions, who are honored for their sacrifice.

Earlier in the day, President Pezeshkian arrived in Baghdad, leading a high-ranking delegation for a three-day state visit. Upon arrival at Baghdad International Airport, he was received with full honors by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. On the way to the presidential palace, Pezeshkian visited a memorial dedicated to resistance martyrs General Qassem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, who were assassinated in a U.S. drone strike in early 2020.

In his first official engagement, Pezeshkian met with Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid to discuss strengthening bilateral relations between the two neighboring nations. This was followed by a meeting with Prime Minister al-Sudani, where the leaders discussed key regional issues, including the ongoing crisis in Gaza, and mutual cooperation in areas such as security and trade. The discussions culminated in a joint press conference, where both leaders emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between Iraq and Iran.

Following his engagements in Baghdad, Pezeshkian is scheduled to visit the holy city of Najaf before proceeding to Karbala. His pilgrimage comes just weeks after the conclusion of the Arbaeen pilgrimage, during which millions of pilgrims from Iran and around the world gathered in Iraq.

In addition to his religious visits, President Pezeshkian will travel to Iraq’s Kurdistan Region, where he will visit the cities of Erbil and Sulaymaniyah. He will conclude his tour in Basra, Iraq’s economic hub, with visits to key commercial and oil ports. During his time in Basra, Pezeshkian is expected to meet with Iranian traders and discuss expanding economic ties between the two countries.

Pezeshkian’s visit underscores the deep religious, cultural, and economic ties that continue to strengthen relations between Iran and Iraq.