Iraqi cities of Najaf and Karbala to receive Khamenei’s remains

Iraqi cities of Najaf and Karbala to receive Khamenei’s remains The week-long funeral for former Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei will extend beyond Iran, with ceremonies scheduled in the Iraqi cities of Najaf and Karbala later this week, according to Al Jazeera. After public mourning events in Tehran and a commemoration ceremony in Qom, Khamenei’s remains are expected to be flown to Iraq on Wednesday. Ceremonies will be held in Najaf and Karbala, home to the shrines of Imam Ali and Imam Hussein, before the body is returned to Iran for burial in Mashhad at the Imam Reza shrine.  Mourners grieve during prayers for Iran’s late supreme leader Ali Khamenei on the second day of funeral ceremonies at Tehran’s Grand Mosalla, 5 July 2026 (AFP)