Iran FM Araghchi thanks Iraq for Khamenei's funeral arrangements
Tehran, July 9
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Wednesday thanked Iraq's government, people and religious authorities for their role in the funeral ceremonies of former Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, highlighting the deep-rooted ties between the two neighbouring countries.
In a post on X, Araghchi said, "All gratitude and appreciation to the brotherly Iraq--its government, people, and religious authorities--for the warm hospitality and dignified farewell in escorting our martyred Imam with broad popular participation."
"The bonds between Iran and Iraq transcend geographical borders and neighborly ties, extending to a deeply rooted history, shared values, and a common destiny," he added.
"Thank you to the Iraq of generosity and authenticity for this loyalty," Araghchi said.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also thanked Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili for attending the funeral ceremony and conveying condolences on behalf of Georgia's government and people.
"The presence of His Excellency Mr. Mikheil Kavelashvili at the funeral ceremony of the Supreme Leader of Iran and the condolences he expressed on behalf of the government and people of Georgia will remain in the historical memory of two friendly nations with 3000-year-old relations," Pezeshkian said in a statement.
He expressed hope that Iran-Georgia relations would deepen further based on mutual respect and constructive cooperation.
"I hope that at a new stage, the relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Georgia, based on mutual respect and constructive cooperation and within the framework of a regionally oriented and complementary economic model, will further deepen," Pezeshkian said.
He added that Khamenei had always emphasised strengthening relations with neighbouring countries, and recalled his meeting and dialogue with Georgian Orthodox Church leader Ilia II as a significant moment in bilateral ties.
Meanwhile, the body of Ayatollah Khamenei arrived in the Iraqi holy city of Karbala, Iran's state news agency IRNA reported.
According to IRNA, the body arrived in Karbala on Wednesday after a large funeral procession was held in the holy city of Najaf, where millions of mourners gathered to pay tribute to Ayatollah Khamenei.
The funeral events, marked by a large gathering of devotees and mourners, are set to continue on Wednesday evening at the holy shrine of Imam Hossein (AS), IRNA reported.
Following farewell and funeral ceremonies in Tehran and Qom, along with events in the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala, Ayatollah Khamenei's body will be taken to the Iranian holy city of Mashhad, where it will be laid to rest beside the shrine of Imam Reza (AS) on Thursday.
— ANI
Reader Comments
From a Western perspective, it's interesting to see such mass mobilization for a religious leader's funeral. The numbers mentioned are staggering. Iran and Iraq's relationship is complex—oil, religion, and geopolitics all mixed together. The Georgian angle seems more like a diplomatic courtesy visit rather than deep friendship.
As an Indian, I see parallels with how we honour our great leaders. The coming together of millions for a final journey is humbling. Iraq showing such respect despite historical differences with Iran speaks volumes. But I hope the new Supreme Leader leads with wisdom and peace. The region needs stability, not more conflict. 🙏
Honestly, all this funeral diplomacy feels a bit performative. Iran and Iraq have had bloody wars and proxy conflicts. Now suddenly they're "brotherly"? The same Iran that supported militias in Iraq. Let's not romanticize geopolitics. The common people mourning is one thing, but state-level bonhomie is often just political theatre. Just my two cents.
The mention of Karbala and Najaf brings back memories of my trip to Iraq—such spiritual energy there. The Shia connection between Iran and Iraq is genuine at the grassroots level. Millions walking for Khamenei! That's not manufactured. India has similar examples during Kumbh Mela. Religion transcends borders when it comes to faith. 🌙
Reading this as a Westerner, I'm struck by the scale of the ceremonies. The funeral route—Tehran to Qom to Najaf to Karbala to Mashhad—that's like a
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