President Pezeshkian Joins Iraqi Leaders for Ayatollah Khamenei’s Funeral Ceremonies in Najaf
Najaf, The Gulf Observer: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi attended an official reception ceremony at Najaf International Airport on Tuesday evening to receive the body of the late Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, ahead of funeral rites scheduled to take place in Iraq.
The aircraft carrying the coffin of Ayatollah Khamenei and accompanying family members landed at Najaf International Airport, where senior Iraqi and Iranian officials received the delegation in preparation for the funeral ceremonies.
According to the announced arrangements, funeral processions will be held on Wednesday in the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala, with millions of mourners expected to participate.
Ayatollah Khamenei was widely respected among Iraq’s Shia community and regarded as a prominent religious authority by millions of followers across the country, prompting expectations of a large public turnout for the ceremonies.
To facilitate the funeral arrangements and manage the anticipated crowds, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi declared Wednesday a nationwide public holiday.
President Pezeshkian is also expected to hold high-level meetings with Iraqi government officials during his visit, alongside his participation in the funeral ceremonies.
