Khamenei’s Funeral Highlights Iranian Influence as 2 Million Gather in Iraq

The funeral procession for the late Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, held across the border in Iraq, served as a stage to demonstrate Iran's regional influence.

According to The Washington Post (WP) on July 8, Khamenei’s casket arrived in the Shiite holy city of Najaf, Iraq, transported in a vehicle equipped with preservation systems, including nitrogen gas and dry ice.

The funeral procession began at Najaf Airport, passed through Karbala—another Shiite holy city—and returned to Najaf.

Along the route, large portraits of Khamenei were displayed alongside black flags and slogans vowing retaliation against the United States.

Extreme congestion occurred as mourners crowded to get a closer look at Khamenei’s casket.

The crowd gathered for the funeral procession is estimated to have reached 2 million people.

The Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), a pro-Iranian militia, deployed personnel along the entire route to manage the crowds and provide security.

Mourners chanted slogans such as "Death to America, death to Israel."

Loudspeakers installed throughout the city broadcasted messages stating, "The scene today, with millions gathered, is the strongest message to Trump."

A recorded speech by Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah who was killed in an Israeli airstrike last year, was also broadcast.

Analysts suggest that the funeral was not merely a memorial service but carried political intent to showcase Iran's influence in the region.

An Iranian official stated, "One of the important goals of this funeral is to show the world Iran's influence in Iraq."

The funeral was attended not only by high-ranking Iranian officials but also by a large number of Iraqi religious and political leaders, including Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi.

Shiite lawmakers wept and shouted, "We will take revenge for our leader."

Iraqi political analyst Mohammed al-Jassani argued that the millions in attendance were sending a message to the U.S. that Iraq and Iran are one, claiming that U.S. policy in the Middle East has failed.

However, there was also backlash within Iraq regarding the state-level support provided for the funeral of the late Iranian leader.

A merchant in Najaf said, "With armed groups and security forces deployed throughout the city, many citizens are staying at home," adding, "It is difficult to understand why Iraq's state functions have effectively come to a halt because of the funeral of an Iranian leader."

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.