Thousands of mourners gathered in the Iraqi holy city of Najaf as the funeral procession for Iran's late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei continued through one of Shia Islam's most sacred sites.
Drone footage captured vast crowds filling the streets as Khamenei's coffin was carried through the city, with mourners dressed in black chanting prayers and paying their final respects.
The procession in Najaf marks another major stage in a week-long series of funeral ceremonies spanning both Iran and Iraq, drawing millions of mourners from across the region.
Religious leaders, senior officials, and pilgrims joined the solemn procession before the funeral convoy continued its journey toward the holy city of Karbala.
Authorities deployed extensive security measures to manage the massive crowds and ensure the procession moved safely through the city.
The funeral follows the death of Ayatollah Khamenei in a February 28 U.S.-Israeli strike, according to Iranian authorities, an event that has significantly impacted the region's political landscape.
Following ceremonies in Karbala, the procession will return to Iran, where Khamenei is scheduled to be buried in the holy city of Mashhad.
The funeral has become one of the largest religious and state ceremonies in recent Middle Eastern history, with millions expected to participate before the final burial takes place.
