Pakistan, July 8 -- Thousands of mourners gathered in Iraq's holy city of Najaf on Wednesday as the funeral procession of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei moved through streets filled with worshippers and religious figures. Iraqi authorities declared a public holiday to facilitate the ceremonies, while heavy security remained in place throughout the city. The procession reflected the close religious and political ties between Iraq and Iran following Khamenei's killing during the recent Middle East conflict.

The funeral in Najaf followed a large procession in Iran's holy city of Qom, where public mourning began several days earlier. Iraqi officials, senior politicians, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian received Khamenei'...