BAGHDAD — Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has underscored the importance of closer regional cooperation to ensure the safe and efficient movement of millions of Arbaeen pilgrims during high-level meetings with the governors of Iraq’s Karbala and Basra provinces, as Tehran and Baghdad intensify preparations for one of the world’s largest annual religious gatherings.
During separate meetings with Karbala Governor Nassif Al-Khattabi and Basra Governor Asaad Al-Eidani, Araghchi emphasized that effective coordination between Iranian and Iraqi authorities is essential for facilitating the smooth flow of pilgrims across border crossings, strengthening transportation networks, enhancing security arrangements, and expanding emergency medical and logistical services. The discussions also focused on improving infrastructure and administrative cooperation to accommodate the massive influx of worshippers expected to travel to the holy city of Karbala in the coming days.
The Iranian foreign minister is visiting Iraq to participate in the annual Arbaeen commemorations, a religious event that draws millions of Shia Muslims from across the Middle East, Asia, Europe, Africa, and beyond. Officials from both countries have described the pilgrimage as not only a major spiritual occasion but also a significant test of regional coordination, requiring extensive planning in security, border management, healthcare, transportation, and public services.
Araghchi said the success of the Arbaeen pilgrimage depends on sustained cooperation between neighboring countries and local authorities, highlighting the shared responsibility of ensuring that pilgrims can travel safely and perform their religious rites without disruption. He also praised the longstanding cooperation between Tehran and Baghdad in organizing the annual event and expressed confidence that continued coordination would further improve the experience for millions of participants.
Arbaeen is among the holiest observances for Shia Muslims worldwide and is recognized as a national holiday in Iran. It marks the fortieth day after the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (PBUH), the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD after refusing to pledge allegiance to Yazid, the Umayyad ruler. Imam Hussein’s sacrifice, along with many members of his family and more than seventy loyal companions, remains a defining symbol of resistance against oppression, injustice, and tyranny in Islamic history.
Each year, millions of pilgrims undertake the journey to Karbala, many on foot, in what is widely regarded as one of the largest peaceful annual gatherings in the world. The event requires unprecedented cooperation between Iraqi authorities, neighboring countries, humanitarian organizations, and security agencies to manage transportation, accommodation, healthcare, crowd control, and public safety.
Regional analysts say Araghchi’s visit reflects the strategic importance both Iran and Iraq attach to the successful organization of the Arbaeen pilgrimage. Beyond its profound religious significance, the event also serves as a platform for strengthening bilateral relations, expanding cross-border cooperation, and demonstrating the two countries’ ability to coordinate large-scale humanitarian and security operations amid continuing regional challenges.
Iran-Iraq preparing for world’s largest religious gathering in memory of Imam Hussein (AS)
