Iraqis Turn Out in Droves to Mourn Khamenei in Holy Cities
Hundreds of thousands attended commemorations for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Najaf and Karbala, highlighting his enduring influence in Iraq.
In the cities of Najaf and Karbala, home to two of Shiite Islam’s holiest sites, hundreds of thousands gathered to commemorate Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the late Iranian supreme leader. The massive turnout underscores the deep ties between Iran and Iraq, which Khamenei actively cultivated during his tenure. Khamenei extended Iran’s influence in Iraq through political, economic, and religious channels, and his death prompted an outpouring of solidarity among Iraqis. Najaf and Karbala are not only religious centers but also symbolic venues where the Shiite community regularly expresses unity. The commemorations demonstrate that Khamenei remains a significant figure in the region, even after his passing.
