Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has described the Arbaeen pilgrimage as a massive demonstration of the unbreakable unity between the peoples of Iran and Iraq, underscoring the profound religious and fraternal bonds that continue to deepen bilateral ties.
In an interview with Iraq’s official news agency (INA), Araghchi said he arrived in the holy city of Najaf on Monday and was heading to Karbala to join the annual Arbaeen pilgrimage, when hundreds of thousands of pilgrims travel to holy sites in Iraq.
“This ceremony is a great exercise that displays the unity of the Iraqi and Iranian nations,” he stated.
“Pilgrims from the two countries form the largest share of participants in this ritual, clearly revealing the strength of the religious and doctrinal ties between our two nations.”
The foreign minister praised the outstanding preparations he witnessed firsthand in Najaf. “I closely observed the excellent arrangements put in place to serve the pilgrims. Everyone expressed satisfaction with the level of services compared to previous years. This reflects continuous, year-on-year progress in organizing this magnificent event.”
Araghchi highlighted that the same deep solidarity was previously on full display during the funeral of the martyred Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Imam Seyyed Ali Khamenei, vividly illustrating the depth of shared emotions and the deep-rooted unity between the two nations.
“Fortunately, our relations with the Iraqi government are now at their best. The recent visit by the Iraqi prime minister to Tehran was accompanied by highly constructive and fruitful talks,” he stated.
Emphasizing the breadth of cooperation, Araghchi said Iran-Iraq partnership is exceptionally close and extensive across multiple domains, from political coordination and joint positions on issues of mutual concern, to economic and security collaboration, securing shared borders, regulating cross-border trade, and developing joint transit routes.
The remarks come as millions of faithful from Iran, Iraq and around the world converge on the holy cities for Arbaeen, reaffirming the enduring strategic partnership and spiritual kinship between the two neighboring nations.
Arbaeen marks the 40th day since the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussain (AS), the third Shia Imam and grandson of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), and his loyal companions.
Every year, pilgrims descend on Karbala from all over the world to mark the occasion, which bears remarkable significance among them, as witnessed by their taking long journeys on foot towards the city out of religious zeal and spiritual dedication.
More than 21 million people made the pilgrimage last year.
For over 13 centuries, the city has been the spiritual epicenter for the faithful, drawing monumental crowds to commemorate the sacrifice and legacy of Imam Hussain (AS), reverently remembered as the Master of Martyrs.
As in previous years, this year’s Arbaeen pilgrimage stood as a powerful reminder of the resilience, devotion, and unity of the faithful to honor the sacrifices made by Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions.
The historic sacrifices saw the religious icon and his 72-strong companions brave the tyrant of the time, Yazid ibn Muawiyah, and his forces, ultimately meeting martyrdom in a battle that has echoed through centuries.
