Preparations are complete for events in Najaf and Karbala, with extensive security measures in place.

On Monday, Lt. Gen. Saad Maan, head of Iraq’s Security Media Cell, confirmed that no Iranian citizen is prohibited from attending the funeral ceremony for Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which will take place on Wednesday.

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“All preparations have been completed for the funeral of the martyr Ali Khamenei — killed on Feb. 28 by the United States and Israel on the first day of the war — in the holy cities of Karbala and Najaf,” said Maan, who also serves as the spokesperson for the Iraqi committee overseeing the funeral procession.

“The funeral procession will take place at Najaf International Airport with official attendance and a high-level delegation from Iran,” he said while accompanied by Najaf Governor Yusef Kanawi.

“There is no ban preventing anyone from attending the funeral,” Maan emphasized, adding that more than 3,000 Iraqi, Arab and foreign media professionals will cover the ceremonies.

“Meetings are being held to oversee the plans prepared for the funeral ceremonies, with the participation of all security forces and the Army Aviation Command,” he added, noting that 351 Husseini processions will take place.

| The Holy Shrine of Imam Ali (A) in Najaf, Iraq Prepares to Receive the Body of the Martyred Leader

The Holy Shrine of Imam Ali (peace be upon him) in Najaf, Iraq, is making solemn preparations to receive the pure body of the martyred Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Imam… pic.twitter.com/iZvkT2nXeo

— Aprajita Nafs Nefes Ancient Believer (@aprajitanefes) July 6, 2026

The main ceremony in Iraq is the procession in Najaf, which will begin at Sadrain Bridge and travel six kilometers to the Imam Ali Shrine. Regarding the funeral procession in Karbala, Maan said that the route extends for 5.8 kilometers.

Last week, the senior Iraqi official had already explained that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s funeral will begin on Wednesday, July 8, at 6 a.m. local time in Najaf and conclude in Karbala, where the ceremonies are expected to begin at 4 p.m.

Maan revealed that 2,500 cameras and 23 live broadcast centers will cover the ceremonies, while 150 ambulances have been assigned to the medical response plan for the funerals in the two cities.

“The province is prepared to receive the crowds of mourners for Khamenei’s body and has completed all preparations with the relevant authorities,” the Najaf governor confirmed, adding that the province has experience handling annual pilgrimages involving millions of people.

Khamenei’s body is expected to arrive in Najaf province on Tuesday, July 7, and remain in Iraq for 24 hours before returning to Iran.

teleSUR/ JF

Source: EFE

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