Najaf: The funeral procession for martyred Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei will be held Wednesday across the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala, with millions of Iraqis expected to attend, the events' spokesperson said.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Lt. Gen. Saad Maan, the spokesperson for the special media committee organizing the ceremonies, stated that the body of Ayatollah Khamenei will arrive in Najaf on Tuesday afternoon. An official state ceremony will be jointly conducted by senior officials from Iran and Iraq.

General Maan explained that the public funeral procession will commence at 6:00 a.m. Wednesday, moving from Kufa to Najaf with millions of Iraqi mourners participating. He added that at 4:00 p.m. local time, the procession will continue through parts of the holy city of Karbala, passing by the shrines of Imam Hussein (AS) and Hazrat Abu al-Fadl al-Abbas (AS).

Maan noted that foreign delegations will also take part in the ceremonies, with coordination completed with Iraqi Mawkibs [service convoys] to assist mourners along the procession route. On broader organizational arrangements, Iraq's Al-Hurra network reported that the Iraqi Arbaeen Committee has taken charge of managing the funeral ceremonies.

The spokesman indicated that initial estimates point to millions of pilgrims participating in the processions across Iraq. Maan mentioned that a comprehensive plan has been developed for the event, with ongoing meetings with all relevant parties ensuring full readiness.

He emphasized the importance of citizens cooperating with security and service agencies to ensure the success of the event and to present a positive image of Iraq. The final preparations for the last stages of a flexible organizational plan are nearly complete.

Maan clarified that the funeral procession will not be held in Baghdad due to the limited time available for completing the necessary special arrangements for the occasion.