Kathmandu: Iran is holding the funeral of its late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, today in his hometown of Mashhad in northeastern Iran. The funeral marks the culmination of a six-day national mourning period that began last Saturday, with ceremonies taking place across Iran and neighboring Iraq.

As part of the commemorative events, tribute programs were held on Wednesday in the Iraqi holy cities of Najaf and Karbala, drawing thousands of mourners. The Shiite religious centers were chosen for their deep spiritual significance, and participants gathered to honor Khamenei's legacy despite intense summer heat.

Khamenei's body was transported from the Iranian holy city of Qom to Iraq on Tuesday night. On Wednesday morning, mourners paid their respects at the Shrine of Imam Ali in Najaf before the funeral procession continued to Karbala, where additional tribute ceremonies were held at the shrines of Imam Hussein and Abbas.

Iran has presented the extended funeral ceremonies as a symbol of national unity and resilience following the recent regional conflict, in which several members of Khamenei's family were reportedly killed. Many attendees described him as one of the most influential figures in regional politics.

Iran and Iraq share longstanding religious and political ties, particularly since the fall of Saddam Hussein's government in 2003. Tehran continues to maintain close relations with several Iraqi political parties and Shiite groups, although Iraq has sought to balance those ties with its partnership with the United States.

Analysts say the latest regional developments have made Iraq's balancing act increasingly challenging as it navigates relations with both Tehran and Washington.