Millions join Arbaeen pilgrimage in Iraq amid regional tensions and fears of US-Iran escalation
Iraq said more than 4.88 million pilgrims entered for the observance as regional tensions raised fears of further U.S.-Iran escalation.
- On Tuesday, millions of Shiite Muslims observed the annual Arbaeen pilgrimage in Karbala, an event occurring 40 days after Ashura, amid regional tensions and fears of U.S.-Iran escalation.
- The Office of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces reported Monday that more than 4.88 million pilgrims entered Iraq since the start of Muharram, with arrivals from various countries ongoing.
- Among the high-profile visitors was Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who arrived in Najaf on Monday and continued to Karbala, where pilgrims observed Iranian flags were particularly visible.
- Closure of the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted Iraqi oil exports, and with more than 90% of state revenues derived from oil, Iraq's economy faces significant vulnerability.
- Baghdad currently wrestles with disarming its network of militias, though the Iran-backed group Kataib Hezbollah rejected these calls, complicating Iraq's balancing act between Washington and Tehran.
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36 Articles
The Growing Threat From Iran’s Proxies in Iraq
People attend a funeral procession for Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed on Feb. 28 in Israeli and US airstrikes, in Tehran, Iran, July 6, 2026. Photo: Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader/ Handout via REUTERS Iran’s proxies are once again in the headlines, having caused havoc and instability in the...
Every year millions of Shiites go on pilgrimage to the holy city of Kerbela in Iraq. This year, temperatures of up to 45 degrees challenge pilgrims and organisers. The dominant theme is the situation in neighbouring Iran. By Moritz Behrendt.
The Washington Post
The RecordMillions join Arbaeen pilgrimage in Iraq amid fears of US-Iran escalation
The Biggest Red Banner of Vengeance Rises in Karbala
TEHRAN — Karbala awoke Tuesday beneath a sweltering August sky and a horizon ablaze with the crimson of vengeance. As millions of black-clad pilgrims converged for the climax of this year’s Arbaeen pilgrimage, the space between the twin shrines of Imam Hussein (AS) and his brother Abbas (AS) became the epicenter of a ritual fusing grief with geopolitical defiance.
The governor of Karbala announced on Tuesday that 22 million pilgrims participated in the Arbaeen ceremony, the day of the martyrs.
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