The Arbaeen pilgrimage took place in the Iraqi holy city of Karbala, with officials reporting approximately 22 million attendees, including roughly 5 million visitors from outside Iraq. Practitioners in the Shiite tradition observe Arbaeen 40 days after Ashoura, which they commemorate as marking the killing of Imam Hussein and his family at the Battle of Karbala in 680 A.D. The gathering is recognized as among the world’s largest annual religious observances.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi attended the pilgrimage, arriving first in the Iraqi city of Najaf before proceeding to Karbala. His participation highlighted Iraq’s complex diplomatic position, as the country maintains relationships with both the United States and Iran while seeking to avoid deeper involvement in regional conflicts. Observers noted that while Iranian pilgrims arrived in substantial numbers, attendance from other countries appeared reduced compared to previous years.
Local participants attributed the decline in international visitors to ongoing regional instability. One Baghdad resident noted that Iranian flags dominated the routes and city compared to previous years, when flags from European, Arab, and other Islamic nations were more prevalent. Volunteer organizations stationed along pilgrimage routes provided food, water, medical services, and other assistance to travelers.
The pilgrimage occurred amid Iraq’s economic challenges following regional disruptions and the closure of shipping routes that have affected the country’s primary revenue source. Additionally, Iraq has undertaken efforts to disarm various militia networks, many with Iranian backing. One such militia, Kataib Hezbollah, issued a statement rejecting disarmament calls and affirming its commitment to retaining weapons.
In Iran, Shiite observers unable to travel to Karbala held commemorative events, including rallies in Tehran and other cities. Participants in some Iranian gatherings chanted slogans and held demonstrations that observers characterized as having political dimensions.
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