Iran hails Arbaeen unity with Iraq
Araghchi said the pilgrimage reflects strong ties between the two nations
Iran’s foreign minister described the Arbaeen pilgrimage as a powerful display of unity between the peoples of Iran and Iraq, saying the annual gathering reflects deep religious and fraternal ties between the two countries. Abbas Araghchi said pilgrims from both nations make up the largest share of participants and that the event continues to grow through better organization and services each year.
Araghchi said he arrived in Najaf before heading to Karbala to join the pilgrimage, and praised the preparations he saw for serving visitors. He said the atmosphere showed strong public satisfaction and steady progress in managing the large event. He also said relations between Tehran and Baghdad are at their best, pointing to recent talks between Iranian and Iraqi leaders and broad cooperation in politics, security, trade, border management and transit projects.
Millions of Shia pilgrims are gathering in Karbala to mark Arbaeen, which commemorates the end of the mourning period for Imam Hussein, the third Shia Imam, who was killed in the battle of Karbala in 680. Worshippers from Iraq, Iran and many other countries have traveled on foot, by bus and by air to reach the shrines of Imam Hussein and Abbas, filling the city with prayer, processions and remembrance ceremonies.
Iraqi authorities have deployed a major security and logistics operation to handle the crowds, with police, soldiers, emergency teams and medical staff stationed across Karbala and along pilgrimage routes. Temporary service points are providing food, water, rest areas and medical help, while transport services and traffic controls have been expanded to ease congestion. Officials expect attendance to keep rising as more international pilgrims enter the country, and say the event remains one of the world’s largest religious gatherings and a symbol of sacrifice, faith and unity.
