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Hundreds of thousands of Iraqis assembled in Najaf and Karbala. The cities host two of Shiite Islam’s most sacred shrines. Participants Hundreds of thousands of Iraqis assembled in Najaf and Karbala. The cities host two of Shiite Islam’s most sacred shrines. Participants
gathered to mourn Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He is a senior Iranian cleric whose policies have extended Iran’s influence in Iraq. The large turnout signals solidarity with Iran. The gathering highlighted Iran’s cultural reach in the region. The commemorations took place at
the holy sites, drawing regional attention. The event reflects ongoing ties between Iraqi Shiite communities and Iran.