Iran Delays Khamenei's Final Funeral Procession In Mashhad – Here's Why

The delay was declared after funeral processions in Iraq extended beyond their primary schedules amid massive participation of millions of mourners.

Iran has delayed the final funeral procession and interment of slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, in the city of Mashhad. The delay was declared after funeral processions in Iraq extended beyond their primary schedules amid massive participation of millions of mourners, Press TV reported. The Iranian leader is set to be buried today.

The final funeral procession was originally scheduled to begin early Thursday morning. However, the massive turnout in the holy Iraqi cities of Najaf and Karbala prompted organizers to postpone the event until 2 p.m, local time. Wednesday’s funeral processions in Iraq witnessed unprecedented participation by mourners, officials, resistance leaders, and tribal representatives, according to the report.

Iraqi officials said at least four million people attended the procession in the city alone.

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Wednesday (local time) thanked Iraq’s government, people and religious authorities for their role in the funeral ceremonies of former Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, highlighting the deep-rooted ties between the two neighbouring countries.

In a post on X, Araghchi said, “All gratitude and appreciation to the brotherly Iraq–its government, people, and religious authorities–for the warm hospitality and dignified farewell in escorting our martyred Imam with broad popular participation.”

“The bonds between Iran and Iraq transcend geographical borders and neighborly ties, extending to a deeply rooted history, shared values, and a common destiny,” he added.

“Thank you to the Iraq of generosity and authenticity for this loyalty,” Araghchi said.

According to IRNA, the body arrived in Karbala on Wednesday after a large funeral procession was held in the holy city of Najaf, where millions of mourners gathered to pay tribute to Ayatollah Khamenei.

(This is a developing story)