NAJAF — The remains of Iran’s slain Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, reached the Iraqi holy city of Najaf on Tuesday, according to Iraqi state television. Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, along with senior government officials, was on hand to receive the coffin as it arrived ahead of scheduled funeral ceremonies.
The formal reception took place at Najaf International Airport, where Iraqi political leaders and Shi’ite religious figures gathered to honor the fallen leader. The coffin is expected to be carried through the streets of Najaf in a public mourning procession on Wednesday, an event anticipated to attract massive crowds.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also traveled to Najaf to take part in the memorial ceremonies, joining the assembled Iraqi officials and religious leaders in paying their respects.
