Baghdad: Thursday’s newspapers focused on the solemn funeral procession for the late Iranian Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which witnessed a remarkable turnout both officially and popularly.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, the semi-official Al-Sabah newspaper reported that millions of Iraqis joined the funeral procession on Wednesday, signaling a massive expression of grief and devotion that spanned from Najaf to Karbala.
The Supreme Committee for Funeral Rites estimated that approximately three million mourners gathered in Najaf, while the number of attendees in Karbala surpassed millions, including participants from various provinces and abroad. Over a thousand international journalists and around 3,300 Iraqi journalists covered the event, utilizing 20 outside broadcasting vehicles to ensure live transmission, thereby providing the occasion with significant global media attention.
Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zubaidi led the reception of Khamenei’s body at Najaf Airport, accompanied by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and senior Iraqi officials. This participation highlighted the deep religious and political ties between Iraq and Iran. The holy shrines of Imam Hussein and Abbas in Karbala played a crucial role in organizing the ceremonies, with over 500 Husseini processions offering food, drink, and logistical services. The shrines also doubled their efforts to facilitate the entry of crowds through the city’s main axes.
Al-Zaman newspaper reported that the funeral procession in Iraq concluded as mourners thronged the streets of Najaf and Karbala. The body of the Iranian leader was subsequently returned to Iran for burial in Mashhad, ending a week-long farewell journey. The funeral coincided with renewed tensions between Iran and the United States over the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Khamenei’s coffin arrived at Najaf airport two days prior, received by Iraqi officials including Prime Minister Al-Zubaidi, Supreme Judicial Council President Faiq Zaidan, and leaders of the Coordination Framework Alliance. The sons of Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani and head of the Shiite National Movement, Muqtada al-Sadr, also attended. Iranian President Pezeshkian and Quds Force Commander Esmail Qaani were present, along with Mostafa, one of Khamenei’s sons. Mojtaba Khamenei, who succeeded him as Supreme Leader, has not appeared publicly since his appointment last March.
Zaidi and Pezeshkian discussed the future requirements and the importance of precision and caution in handling regional and international affairs to promote stability and resolve conflicts.
Al-Zawraa newspaper, published by the Iraqi Journalists Syndicate, noted that Lieutenant General Saad Maan, the official spokesperson for the Supreme Committee for the Funeral, confirmed the participation of approximately 4,300 media personnel in covering the funeral. Maan highlighted that live broadcasts began at 5:00 AM, with Iraqi satellite channels providing extensive coverage until the ceremonies concluded.
Maan emphasized the extensive global media coverage, with nearly a thousand non-Iraqi journalists participating under official licenses. The event in Najaf was covered by about 20 outside broadcasting vehicles, most offering free clean feed services alongside their regular media coverage.
Source: National Iraqi News Agency