Iranian Pilgrims Journey to Iraq for Arbaeen Amid Ongoing War

Thousands of Iranian pilgrims crossed the al‑Zurbatiyah border into Iraq to observe Arbaeen, the most important Shia gathering, for the first time since the conflict sparked by a U.S.–Israeli strike on Iran on 28 February. Wearing black and clutching portraits of the slain Iranian leader Ali Khamenei, some participants stamped on a portrait of U.S. President Donald Trump, raised fists or flashed victory signs as fresh U.S.–Saudi airstrikes killed 20 militants, including five Iranians, in seven Iraqi provinces just hours before their arrival.

Amir, a 55‑year‑old pick‑up driver who has attended the pilgrimage for years, said, "The difference is that we are at war. Now the United States is attacking us… yet this crowd has left everything behind to attend." Arbaeen marks the 40th day after the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, whose shrine in Karbala draws millions of faithful each year. The pilgrimage this year occurs against a backdrop of heightened regional tension, with Khamenei’s remains having been transferred to Karbala and Najaf earlier in the month for a six‑day funeral procession.