Baghdad – INA
The Media Committee for the funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (may God sanctify his soul) announced today, Thursday, the route of the martyr's body in Iraq, noting the participation of high-ranking government and religious figures from both Iran and Iraq.
The committee's official spokesperson, Lieutenant General Saad Maan, stated in a press conference held today, attended by a reporter from the Iraqi News Agency (INA): "On Tuesday, July 7th, official ceremonies will be held to receive the body of the martyr, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (may God sanctify his soul), with the attendance of high-ranking government and religious figures from Iran and Iraq."
He explained that "there will be a public funeral procession, beginning on Wednesday, July 8th, at 6:00 AM," adding that "the route in Najaf will be from the Kufa Bridge, at the beginning of Kufa Street, towards the 1920 Revolution Bridge, passing through Sadr Square, where the public will participate in the funeral ceremonies and pay their final respects." Ma'an added, "The route in the holy city of Karbala will begin at the Sayyid Jawda intersection, then proceed along Governorate Street (the Courthouse intersection) towards the shrine of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him), and then to the shrine of Imam Abbas (peace be upon him)."
He emphasized that "a comprehensive security plan has been put in place with the participation of various ministries, institutions, and security and service agencies to ensure the necessary services for those participating in the funeral procession." He called upon "citizens, religious bodies, Husseini processions, and participating delegations to fully comply with the organizational and security instructions and guidelines that will be issued successively by the relevant authorities, and to cooperate with the security forces and service personnel to ensure the success of this occasion."
Ma'an indicated that "initial estimates suggest the participation of millions of pilgrims in the funeral procession for the martyred leader, Sayyid Ali Khamenei (may his soul be sanctified). Another press conference will be held on Sunday or Monday to announce the details of the funeral arrangements."
He noted that "meetings are ongoing with all parties involved in the funeral ceremonies, and we are nearing completion of a flexible plan for organizing the ceremonies," emphasizing that "all concerned parties are fully prepared to ensure the success of this occasion."
Ma'an indicated that "the funeral ceremonies for the martyred leader, Sayyid Ali Khamenei (may God sanctify his soul), will not be held in Baghdad due to the limited time available for Iraq to finalize the arrangements for this event," explaining that "Iraq was given a 24-hour deadline, and the funeral ceremonies were limited to the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala."