**Funeral Events for Iran’s Slain Supreme Leader Khamenei Underway in Iraq**
*Najaf, Iraq – July 8, 2026*
Thousands of mourners have gathered in Najaf, Iraq, to participate in the funeral processions for Iran’s slain Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The ceremonies commenced early on Wednesday morning, following the Iraqi government's declaration of a public holiday to honor the occasion.
The funeral processions began at 6 AM local time (03:00 GMT), with Khamenei’s coffin being transported through the streets of Najaf, culminating at the shrine of Imam Ali, a significant figure in Shia Islam and the first Shia imam. This event is part of a larger series of memorial ceremonies organized by Iran, which began on July 2, and includes a day specifically dedicated to Iraq.
Khamenei’s death occurred during a series of airstrikes by the United States and Israel on February 28, which also resulted in the deaths of several of his family members. The Iranian government has since initiated a six-day public mourning period, aimed at demonstrating national strength and unity in the face of ongoing geopolitical tensions.
The arrival of Khamenei’s remains in Najaf was marked by a formal reception at Najaf International Airport, attended by high-ranking officials, including Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Khamenei’s eldest son, Mostafa Hosseini Khamenei. The procession through Najaf has drawn large crowds, with estimates suggesting that hundreds of thousands of mourners have come to pay their respects.
Al Jazeera’s correspondent, Jack Hewson, noted the significance of the event, stating, “Najaf is the third holiest site in Shia Islam after Mecca and Medina,” and highlighted the city's history of hosting large gatherings for religious events. The scale of the mourning reflects the deep ties between Iran and Iraq, both predominantly Shia Muslim nations.
Following the ceremonies in Najaf, Khamenei’s body is scheduled to be transported to Karbala, located approximately 60 kilometers north, where another procession will take place at the shrines of Imam Hussein and his brother Abbas. Esmail Qaani, the head of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Quds Force, emphasized the “spiritual bond” between Iraq and Iran during this period of mourning, stating that the extensive planning by the Iraqi government and people showcases this connection to the world.
Among the mourners was Iraqi citizen Mohammed al-Bayati, who traveled for hours to attend the funeral. He expressed the sentiment shared by many attendees, stating that participating in the funeral of a leader who “challenged the power of America and Israel” was an opportunity not to be missed.
Notably absent from the processions is Mojtaba Khamenei, who has recently taken over as the Supreme Leader following his father's assassination. Reports indicate that he sustained injuries during the airstrikes that killed his father, although the extent of his injuries remains unclear.
Khamenei’s burial is set to take place on Thursday in his hometown of Mashhad, located in northeastern Iran. As the funeral events unfold, they serve not only as a tribute to the late leader but also as a reflection of the complex political and religious dynamics in the region.