IRGC declares ‘dark night for US radars’; Army strikes three bases in Kuwait

The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) says it has destroyed multiple US military radar and communications facilities in the region, while the Army reports drone strikes on three US bases in Kuwait in ongoing retaliation for American violations.

The announcements were made in a series of statements issued early Tuesday, describing the latest phases of the IRGC’s Operation Nasr- (Victory) 2 and the Army’s Operation Sa'eqeh (Lightning) in response to the United States' renewed aggression against the Islamic Republic.

In its first statement, the IRGC said the second phase of wave 24 of Operation Nasr-2 targeted infrastructure supporting US military air defense operations in Kuwait. The Corps said the latest phase was staged “to clear the way by eliminating obstacles to large-scale air and missile operations” against American targets in the region.

According to the statement, missiles and drones struck and destroyed a long-range radar site, a communications center, satellite reception systems, and a missile defense radar belonging to the “child-killing US military” stationed in Kuwait. The IRGC also said an MQ-9 drone hangar at Ali al-Salem Airbase was hit in the country, adding that several drones were either destroyed or severely damaged as a result.

Addressing the Iranian nation, the Corps vowed, “The punitive operation carried out by your sons [in the IRGC] continues.”

In a second statement issued later, the IRGC said it had carried out another strike against US air defense assets at Ahmad al-Jaber Airbase in Kuwait. The statement said an early warning radar, a missile defense radar system, an FPS-117 radar, a Patriot air defense system, and a satellite communications system supporting air defense operations were struck and destroyed.

IRGC to US: ‘Prepare for more’

“The brave sons of a powerful Iran delivered crushing blows to the desperate enemy. As the dark night continued for US radar and air defense systems across the region,” the Corps stated.

“Following this radar suppression operation, the enemy should prepare for more decisive and heavier waves of drone and missile attacks.”

‘Region no place for US aggressors’: IRGC asserts as it announces destroying F-15 warplane

Later, the Corps announced the latest stage of its efforts to incapacitate the US regional radar capabilities, describing yet another strike that “destroyed a missile-defense radar system at a US base in Jordan and destroyed an F-15 fighter aircraft inside its shelter.”

“This region is no place for the American aggressors. The child-killing US military must leave our region to prevent further casualties.”

Separately, the Army's Public Relations Office said the 19th phase of its Operation Sa'eqeh targeted three US military bases in Kuwait, using loitering attack drones.

According to the statement, the operation targeted the administrative buildings and direction-finding antennas at Camp Arifjan, the helicopter parking area at al-Udairi Camp, and the troop accommodation building at Ahmad al-Jaber Airbase.

The Army said the operation was carried out “in response to repeated acts of aggression and repeated breaches of commitments by the ‘Great Satan (the United States).’”

Concluding the statement, the Army lamented that regional security had been compromised by the hostile actions of US forces, adding that Iran's Armed Forces were seeking, through their confrontation with the United States, to restore security and stability to the region.

The United States has perpetrated numerous violations against Iranian territory since April 7, when US President Donald Trump announced a unilateral ceasefire in the latest bout of wholesale American-Israeli aggression targeting the Islamic Republic.

The violations continued even after Washington and Tehran signed a Pakistan-mediated memorandum of understanding last month, whose first clause clearly mandates cessation of aggression on all fronts.

The US has also been trying to help vessels evade the maritime route designated by the Islamic Republic for safe and legal passage through the Strait of Hormuz by seeking to escort trespassing vessels through an illegal passageway.

Iran's Armed Forces have staged uncompromising retaliation in the face of each instance of violation, including those in support of illegal vessel movement in the Strait of Hormuz.

Andy Burnham becomes UK prime minister after meeting King Charles

Britain's King Charles III on Monday appointed Andy Burnham as prime minister after outgoing Keir Starmer officially tendered his resignation, the palace said.

"Andrew Burnham MP accepted The King's offer and kissed hands upon his appointment as Prime Minister," Buckingham Palace said in a statement, adding the king had asked him to form the next government.

Burnham vowed to put forward a 10-year plan for Britain, saying the country needed to make politics work.

"Britain needs to show the world that we can regain our stability once again," Burnham said just after being appointed by King Charles III to take over from Keir Starmer. He pledged to "issue my first instruction to end rough sleeping in our country" once he starts work.

Promising Britons "some breathing space now", he said the government would set out some measures to tackle the high cost-of-living, and how it plans to fund them.

Further out, he said: "We will help more young people into work by changing the education system and giving them more support, more mental health support, and we will build more council homes.

"That is the fair and sustainable way to bring the welfare bill down, to meet our fiscal rules, and to honour our commitments on defence to our international partners."

Labour party backs Burnham to push back surging reform UK

On Friday, Burnham described his election to become Labour leader as "the most significant change moment in our politics for 40 years".

He promised to radically change the political system to help a country hungry for change become one where "life is more affordable and all people and places are lifted from where they are now".

Labour lawmakers see him as one of the few politicians capable of tackling the threat from veteran Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage's populist Reform UK — something they doubted the unpopular Starmer could do.

Burnham's first challenge will be the choice of his cabinet team and especially his finance minister. Friction in this axis of government has brought down previous administrations.

An early frontrunner for the position, energy security and net zero minister Ed Miliband, has been the object of some hostile briefing and interior minister Shabana Mahmood now appears favourite for the job.

On Sunday, Burnham scrapped plans for all employees to be required to hold a digital identity document, a scheme designed to tackle illegal migration but deemed a "fiasco" by a cross-party committee of lawmakers.

More attention will be paid to decisions on taxation and spending, oil and gas, and underperforming utility companies, where Burnham wants stronger public control.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Monday felicitated Andy Burnham on assuming office as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

In a message on his official X, the prime minister wished Prime Minister Burnham every success in his tenure and looked forward to working closely with him to further strengthen the historic and deep-rooted bonds of friendship and cooperation between Pakistan and the UK.

Yemen's Houthis declare naval blockade on Saudi Arabia, widening threat to global oil supplies

Yemen's Houthis said on Monday they were imposing a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia, a move that opens a new front against the United States in its war on Iran and widens the threat to global energy supplies and trade beyond the Gulf.

Iran had pressed the Houthis to close the Bab el-Mandeb gateway to the Red Sea if the US continued to attack Iranian power infrastructure.

There was no immediate response from Saudi Arabia.

The full closure of the Bab el-Mandeb strait would reduce global oil supply by 7% as it would leave most of Saudi oil exports unable to leave the region. The disruption would add to the massive cut to global oil flows from the war in the Gulf, which has already reduced shipments by 10% of global supply.

Diplomatic push to restore ceasefire

The Houthis' announcement followed signs from both Iran and the US that they wanted to resume diplomatic efforts to end an escalating cycle of attacks that has all but wrecked a fragile interim agreement signed last month.

A senior Iranian official told Reuters on Monday that Tehran had received a proposal from mediators for a 10-day ceasefire in an effort to salvage the interim deal, intended to pave the way to a lasting agreement to the war that began on February 28 with US-Israeli attacks on Iran.

Oil prices briefly jumped above $90 a barrel earlier on Monday after renewed disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. They later pared gains after Iran's Foreign Ministry said mediators had recently presented proposals to Tehran, signalling that diplomatic contacts remain active.

Neither the ministry nor the official who spoke to Reuters gave any further details on the putative ceasefire discussions.

Separately, two Pakistani government sources said Iran's Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni, making his second visit to Islamabad in less than a week, had asked Pakistan to resume its mediation role in Iran's conflict with the United States.

The diplomatic flurry came after Iran's Revolutionary Guards said they had struck US military assets across the region following another night of US bombardment of Iranian cities.

5G internet service installed at Islamabad International Airport

The installation of an indoor 5G solution at Islamabad International Airport has officially commenced, marking the first comprehensive indoor 5G facility at any airport in Pakistan.

A kick-off ceremony for the project was held under the supervision of the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA), which said the initiative would enhance digital connectivity and improve passenger experience at the airport.

The project involves Chinese investment of $5 million and, upon completion, is expected to generate a monthly revenue of Rs600,000 for the Pakistan Airports Authority.

The indoor 5G solution will provide passengers with high-speed internet services within the terminal, ensuring faster and more reliable connectivity during their time at the airport.

3rd U-19 Women T20: South Africa beat Pakistan by 52 runs

In the third T20 of the five-match series in Karachi, South Africa Under-19 women's team defeated Pakistan Under-19 women's team by 52 runs tonight.

Batting first, South Africa Under-19 women's team scored 158 runs for the loss of six wickets in allotted 20 overs.

In reply, Pakistan Under-19 women's team were all out for 106 runs in 18 overs.

South Africa lead the series 2-1.

IRGC Navy: Two vessels suffer ‘accidents’ after attempting to leave Hormuz through unsafe route

The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy says two vessels were involved in incidents after attempting to leave the Strait of Hormuz through an unsafe route, while two other ships abandoned the passage following warnings from Iranian authorities.

In a statement, the IRGC Navy said four “violating vessels,” acting “with the mischief and support of American terrorists,” switched off their navigation systems and ignored warnings issued by the IRGC Navy’s Hormuz Strait control base.

According to the statement, the vessels attempted to disrupt traffic and exit the strategic waterway through “an unsafe route.”

“Two of them suffered accidents and stopped in place, and two others abandoned continuing on the route,” it said.

The IRGC Navy reiterated that control of the Strait of Hormuz is “fully” in its hands and that the only safe transit corridor is the route officially designated and announced by Iranian authorities.

It added that “not a single drop of oil, gas or chemical fertilizer” would pass through the strait without coordination and permission, repeating a position previously stated by Iranian officials.

The statement concluded by warning that vessels influenced by “the American enemy” and entering unsafe routes “will certainly suffer an incident.”

Over the last eight nights, the US military has conducted waves of airstrikes on Iran and reinstated a blockade of Iranian ports in flagrant violation of a war-termination deal. It has also committed war crimes by deliberately targeting civilian facilities and killing dozens of people.

The escalation came after the United States violated the Pakistan-brokered Memorandum of Understanding of June 17 by attempting unauthorized naval movements through the Strait of Hormuz, with the Iranian Navy intercepting the vessels to enforce the agreement.

Iran warns to target all infrastructure in region if its infrastructure attacked

Iran’s top military command unit has warned that it will strike every remaining infrastructure in the region if its infrastructure attacked.

The Khatam al-Anbiya Central Military Headquarters issued a strongly worded statement on Thursday, after US President Donald Trump threatened to expand terrorist American attacks against Iran next week to target civilian infrastructure, including power plants and bridges.

"If the recent empty threats by the US president to have the American military target the infrastructure of the Islamic Republic are carried out, then everything that, due to Iran's restraint, has so far remained intact—that is, all infrastructure throughout the region—will be smashed under the iron blows of the powerful armed forces of the Islamic Republic, to such an extent that no trace of it will remain, as though it had never existed,” the military command’s spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Ebrahim Zolfaqari said.

He also slammed the criminal US regime for continuing its lawless actions and efforts to destabilize West Asia.

Zolfaqari further stressed that Iran will never allow the United States—as a foreign, extra-regional country—to interfere in the Strait of Hormuz, which is the Islamic Republic’s “inviolable red line."

"Let the ignorant enemy know: for us, the moment of epic action is not a moment for restraint. What is being carried out by Iran’s armed forces is not an equivalent strike; it is a superior strike. The strikes will be more intense, extensive, and destructive than ever before. The fury of a nation that has never surrendered will burn the aggressor,” he added.

In another development on Thursday, the IRGC’s Public Relations Department said that the force’s Navy had conducted a “devastating strike against the US base in Sheikh Isa, Bahrain.”

The operation completely destroyed the air surveillance and control radar system and the fuel pumping station supplying the enemy’s fighter aircraft, it noted.

The attack came in response to crimes of the child-killing US military in its aerial assaults on coastal bases and several civilian locations, including a children’s cancer hospital and a water production facility serving pilgrims traveling to Iraq’s holy city of Karbala in the border region of Iran’s Ilam Province.

In the past few days, tensions have increased in the Strait of Hormuz, caused by deadly US strikes on Iran in gross violation of last month’s war-ending deal between the two sides.

Iran has declared the strategic waterway closed “until further notice” and at least until “the end of US interference in the region.”

Ayatollah Khamenei thanks Iranians, Iraqis for massive turnout at martyred Leader’s funeral

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei has thanked the Iranian and Iraqi people for their massive participation in the funeral and memorial ceremonies of the martyred Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.

The message of gratitude was delivered by Hojjatoleslam Seyyed Mostafa Khamenei, the martyred Leader’s eldest son, during a memorial service in Tehran on Tuesday.

Speaking at the event, Hojjatoleslam Khamenei offered condolences to the Islamic Ummah, the Iranian nation, and Imam Mahdi (AJ), describing the loss as a great tragedy requiring patience.

Quoting the Quranic verse, “Give good news to the patient,” he said patience means enduring the tragedy while steadfastly continuing on the “clear path” until the final goal is achieved.

He stressed that patience “is in no way incompatible with revenge and confronting the world’s evildoers who were involved in these great crimes.”

People in the Iranian capital Tehran gathered at the city’s Mosalla Mosque to attend the commemoration ceremony for the martyred Leader.

The ceremony was hosted by his son and the current Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei.

Top government and military officials, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, as well as foreign ambassadors and diplomats, also participated in the ceremony.

Ayatollah Khamenei’s three other sons attended the ceremony in person.

The ceremony comes five days after the late Leader was laid to rest in the holy shrine of Imam Reza (AS) in his hometown of Mashhad in northeastern Iran.

The burial came after five days of public funerals in Tehran, the central city of Qom, and in Iraq, where millions paid their homage to Ayatollah Khamenei, a respected cleric who was a source of emulation for Muslims around the world.

Ayatollah Khamenei was assassinated along with four members of his family and senior military officials on February 28 in a joint US-Israeli airstrike targeting his office in downtown Tehran.

His martyrdom caused a huge domestic and international uproar and triggered an extensive Iranian military response to US and Israeli targets in the region.

The late Leader had taken office in June 1989 after the founder of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ruhollah Khomeini, passed away following a period of illness.

Iran will never allow US to interfere in Hormuz, warns central military command

Iran's highest operational command unit says the Islamic Republic will never allow the United States to interfere in the management of the Strait of Hormuz following repeated warnings to Washington.

The spokesman for the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, Lieutenant-Colonel Ebrahim Zolfaqari made the remarks on Monday following comments by US President Donald Trump that Washington could take control of the strategic waterway.

"Following previous warnings, we will under no circumstances allow the United States to interfere in the management of the Strait of Hormuz," he said.

He said the US “repeated adventurism and mischief” to interfere in the Strait of Hormuz have “seriously endangered regional security, international trade, and the passage of oil tankers and commercial vessels”.

He criticized certain regional states for cooperating with the United States, warning that such collaboration "increased the danger of war spreading across the entire region."

Zolfaqari emphasized that Iran's armed forces would “firmly confront any disruption and insecurity" created by the "aggressor and pirate US military" for the passage of commercial ships and oil tankers outside the routes designated by Iran and without authorization from the armed forces.

"The powerful actions of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) and the Iranian Army in recent days are proof of this claim," the spokesman said.

In a direct warning to regional leaders, he emphasized, “Any cooperation with the United States and logistical support for that country’s aggressor army will be regarded as war against Iran's sovereignty and national security.”

“If war expands in the region, the flames of fire will engulf all regional countries,” he warned.

Zolfaqari said responsibility for any insecurity or expansion of war in the region lies with the United States and countries cooperating with its “criminal army”.

The spokesman’s remark came after Trump said on Monday that the United States would probably take over the Strait of Hormuz and should be reimbursed for controlling ​the vital waterway.

"We're going to keep the strait, and we'll probably run it. ‌We'll become the guardian of the strait. Maybe we'll call it the guardian angel of the strait. And we should be reimbursed for that," he said in a phone interview on Fox News' "Fox & Friends" program.

Iran shut down the chokepoint to enemies and their allies shortly after the US and the Israeli regime launched their unprovoked aggression against the Islamic Republic on February 28.

It began exercising far stricter controls after Donald Trump announced continuation of an illegal naval blockade of Iranian vessels and ports despite a ceasefire that the US president, himself, had declared on April 7.

In a brief announcement on its X account on Sunday, the Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) said the Strait of Hormuz is closed to all transit following recent "illegal movements" by US military forces in the region.

"Due to recent unlawful movements by United States military forces in the region, transit through the Strait of Hormuz is currently not possible," it added.

In a post on his official Instagram account on Monday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said political and technical discussions with Oman regarding the management of the Strait of Hormuz and maritime shipping traffic will continue.

In call with Iran's Araghchi, DPM Dar terms 'dialogue, diplomacy' only paths to peace

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar told his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi that dialogue and diplomacy remained the only viable path to resolving disputes and ensuring lasting peace during a telephone conversation on Sunday.

The two leaders exchanged views on the evolving regional situation, according to a statement issued by the Foreign Office. Dar urged all parties to pursue de-escalation and exercise restraint in line with the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding agreed in June.

US and Iranian forces exchanged heavy missile and drone strikes, with Tehran targeting US facilities in states across the Gulf on Sunday after saying it had again closed the vital Strait of Hormuz.

President Donald Trump had earlier this week declared the end of a ceasefire meant to halt the fighting that the US and Israel began on February 28, though Trump has left the door open to continued negotiations.

The escalation followed several attacks on commercial ships in the area. Iran said it had closed the strait after firing a warning shot that struck a vessel travelling on an unapproved route, and said on Sunday it had disabled a second vessel.

The strait will remain closed until "the end of US interference in this region," Iran's Revolutionary Guards said. About a fifth of the world's oil supply transited through the Strait of Hormuz before the war, and Iran's effective blockade of the waterway has caused energy prices to surge, fuelling global inflation.

Meanwhile, the deputy prime minister underscored that “dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path to resolving disputes and achieving lasting peace and stability in the region”.

He also reiterated Pakistan’s readiness to continue playing a constructive role in promoting and maintaining regional peace and stability.

The Foreign Office said both leaders agreed to remain in close contact.

Araghchi has accused the United States of violating the ceasefire agreement. "There can only be mutual compliance," he wrote on X on Friday.

On Sunday, Iran's top negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf posted on X: "The era of one-sided deals is OVER. We told you: keep your word or pay the price. Reality is knocking."

IRGC chief vows justice for martyred Leader, says resistance path will endure

The commander-in-chief of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has vowed that Iran and the resistance front will continue the path of the martyred leader of the Ummah and pursue justice against those responsible for his assassination, while praising the mass funeral processions held in Iran and Iraq.

In a Friday statement, the commander said the unprecedented week-long farewell ceremonies for martyred Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei demonstrated the deep bond between the people and the leadership.

“Wilayat al-Faqih [Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist] means that after 47 years of governance, you are bid farewell by an ocean of your nation's tears,” he said.

The IRGC commander expressed gratitude to the Iranian nation, describing it as insightful, resilient and steadfast. He also thanked officials, organizers and all those involved in planning and managing the funeral ceremonies, praising their “wise management, sound planning and tireless efforts” in ensuring the events were held with dignity, security and order.

The funeral ceremonies concluded in the holy city of Mashhad after several days of mourning that also included Tehran, Qom, Najaf and Karbala.

Millions of mourners filled the streets of Mashhad on Thursday as the body of the martyred Leader and his family members were carried through the streets before being laid to rest at the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza (AS).

Crowds from across Iran, along with visitors from dozens of countries, joined the final farewell, while similar mass gatherings had earlier taken place in Iraq's holy cities of Najaf and Karbala.

According to official estimates cited by Fars News Agency, between 41 million and 43 million people participated in the six-day funeral ceremonies across the five cities, making the event the largest funeral procession in recorded history.

The IRGC first-in-command said the massive turnout renewed the nation's covenant with the martyred leader and reaffirmed loyalty to the ideals of the Islamic Revolution.

He described the gatherings as a manifestation of unity among nations that have stood together “under the red banner of Imam Hussein (AS)” against the front of “arrogance and disbelief.”

According to the IRGC commander, the blood of the martyred leader has become “a gushing spring of awakening, dignity, strength and solidarity” across the Islamic Ummah. He said it would further strengthen the determination of free nations to continue that path while bringing Iran's enemies closer to “defeat, isolation and regret.”

He also warned that the United States and the enemies of the Islamic Revolution and the resistance front would fail to achieve their objectives through the assassination.

“The criminal leaders of America and all the enemies of the Islamic Revolution and the resistance front must know that by the cowardly assassination of this divine leader, they will never be able to extinguish the divine light, weaken the will of faithful nations, or bring down the banner of resistance,” he said.

He said the blood of the martyred leader had placed an enduring responsibility on “all the free people of the world,” stressing that seeking justice and punishing “the perpetrators, those who ordered and those who supported this crime” would remain “a definite, legitimate and unforgettable demand.”

The commander added that the call for accountability would remain alive “until full justice is achieved and an appropriate response is given to the criminals, especially the child-killing American army,” saying it would never be erased from the historical memory of the Islamic Ummah or the resistance front.

Martyr Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and members of his family were assassinated in a terrorist attack on February 28, carried out by the United States and the Zionist regime against the leader's residence.

 

Iran Army expands retaliation with drone strikes on US forces in Bahrain

The Iranian Army says it has carried out drone strikes against US military assembly points at Sheikh Isa Air Base in Bahrain, widening the Islamic Republic's military response to American airstrikes on Iranian territory.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Public Relations Office of the Army of the Islamic Republic of Iran said the operation was launched in response to “hostile US attacks” on military and civilian areas in southern Iran and the violation of the 14-point ceasefire agreement.

"Following the hostile aggression of the American enemy against military and civilian areas in the south of the country and the violation of the 14-clause memorandum of understanding, the attack drones of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army, from early this morning (Wednesday), targeted the assembly points of American hostile forces at 'Sheikh Isa Base' in Bahrain," the statement read.

The Army warned that further violations would be met with expanded strikes, stating that "the consequences of the blatant and repeated violation and breaking of the ceasefire by criminal America" would be borne by US forces, and that "all American bases in the region will be legitimate targets for the army's drones."

The announcement came hours after the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) said it had struck 85 US military facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait and shot down an American MQ-9 drone over Bushehr province.

Those strikes were described by the IRGC as an "initial response" to US aerial aggression against coastal bases and civilian stations in Hormozgan province and Mahshahr.

Early Wednesday, Iranian media outlets reported several explosions near Sirik County and Qeshm Island in the southern Iranian Hormozgan Province.

An IRGC member was martyred while confronting aggressive US drones in the southern port city of Mahshahr, the IRGC's Third Naval Region announced.

The force identified him as Mohammad Reza Khozini and said in a statement that he was martyred "due to shrapnel from a projectile" during an engagement with enemy drones.

A correspondent for the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) also said that enemy projectiles had “injured several people” in Sirik’s fishing and commercial port.

This is not the first time that the United States has targeted Iranian soil since the reaching of an MoU between Tehran and Washington in June.

Iran’s Armed Forces have responded to each instance with decisive retaliatory strikes against strategic and sensitive American targets across the region.

This comes at a time when neighboring Iraq hosts extensive funeral processions for the martyred Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.

Millions attend funeral for Martyr Leader Ayatollah Khamenei in Iraq's Najaf and Karbala

Millions of mourners have gathered in Iraq's holy cities of Najaf and Karbala for the funeral ceremonies of martyred Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, with Iraqi authorities reporting attendance in the millions.

The official funeral procession began at 6 a.m. local time Wednesday in Najaf after funeral prayers were held over Ayatollah Khamenei's body at the shrine of Imam Ali (AS).

The procession moved from the shrine through Kufa Bridge and the Thawrat al-Ashreen intersection toward al-Sadreen Square before the body continued to Karbala.

Hashd al-Shaabi, Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces, said more than 2.3 million people had taken part in the funeral procession in Najaf and that the number was continuing to increase as mourners arrived from across Iraq.

Separately, Al Mayadeen television citing the Karbala governorate, reported that authorities had registered 7 million mourners in Karbala.

From before dawn, mourners streamed into Najaf from across Iraq, which reports describing the gathering as "million-strong" and "unprecedented."

Roads leading to the city were heavily congested as participants travelled from provinces including Basra, Muthanna and Maysan, while additional crowds entered Najaf from its eastern approaches.

The six-kilometer funeral route was filled with mourners carrying portraits of Ayatollah Khamenei and waving Iraqi, Iranian and Hezbollah flags.

The atmosphere in Najaf was marked by mourning as elegies and chants echoed across the city while a specially prepared vehicle carrying Ayatollah Khamenei's body slowly advanced through tightly packed crowds toward the main procession route.

Security forces and organizing committees worked to manage the crowds and maintain order throughout the ceremony.

Earlier on Wednesday, funeral prayers were held over Ayatollah Khamenei and members of his family at the shrine of Imam Ali (AS) in Najaf before the official procession began.

The bodies were transported to Karbala following the Najaf ceremonies.

In Karbala, the bodies were taken to the shrines of Imam Hussein (AS) and his martyred brother Abbas (AS) for farewell ceremonies.

According to reports, mourning tents had been established throughout the funeral route and black banners had been raised across Najaf's streets and public squares.

Although the funeral ceremonies in Najaf and Karbala were expected to last only several hours, reports said the scale of the event made it one of the largest in the modern history of the two cities, which routinely host millions of pilgrims during the Islamic months of Muharram, Safar, Shaaban and Ramadan.

Correspondents said all roads leading into Najaf experienced exceptional traffic congestion as Iraqi citizens and foreign visitors continued arriving to attend the ceremonies.

Among those attending was Ammar al-Hakim, leader of Iraq's National Wisdom Movement.

Former Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, who heads Iraq's State of Law coalition, said attending Ayatollah Khamenei's funeral and commemorating his legacy is "a duty."

"Commemorating the legacy of the martyred Imam Sayyed Ali Khamenei, the great leader of the Islamic nation, and participating in his funeral is a duty because he was a great leader who remained steadfast, endured, stood against challenges and brought victory to the Iranian nation," Maliki said in remarks carried by the Iraqi News Agency.

"Everything the Iraqi people do today through their participation in the funeral of the martyred Imam Khamenei and through their other supportive positions, no matter how great or valuable, remains insufficient compared with the stature of this great figure, a figure who shaped a bright future not only for the Iranian nation but for many countries in the region," he said.

Maliki said Ayatollah Khamenei "remained steadfast, resisted and stood against major powers known for their immense military strength until victory was achieved," adding that "the Iranian nation, through patience, perseverance and steadfastness despite all the challenges and losses it endured, emerged victorious."

"We see the results of all this in the successes of the Islamic Republic of Iran, whether in political negotiations or on the battlefields," he said.

Maliki added that Iraq's message is that "the Islamic Republic of Iran is not alone, but has friends who stand beside it and support it," and that Iran "stands on the side of truth" and has supporters around the world "even if some peoples, because of the political circumstances they experience, cannot openly express that support."

Throughout the morning, crowds filled Najaf's streets in a historic farewell attended by unprecedented numbers of mourners.

The official procession followed a reception ceremony at Najaf International Airport for Ayatollah Khamenei's body attended by senior Iraqi officials and prominent political and religious figures.

In recognition of the occasion, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi declared Wednesday an official public holiday across Iraq to coincide with the funeral ceremonies for the martyred Leader and his family.

The multi-day funeral began on Friday with Ayatollah Khamenei’s body lying in state at Tehran’s Imam Khomeini Mosalla and foreign dignitaries and religious figures paying their respects. It continued on Saturday and Sunday with a public farewell and prayers, respectively.

On Monday, millions packed the streets of Tehran as the funeral convoy made its way through the Iranian capital.

Millions of mourners gathered at the Holy Jamkaran Mosque in Qom on Tuesday to offer funeral prayers for the martyred Leader.

The final funeral rites are set to take place on Thursday in the northeastern Iranian city of Mashhad, where Ayatollah Khamenei will be buried at the shrine of Imam Reza (AS), the eighth Shia Imam, in accordance with the martyred Leader’s will.

Ayatollah Khamenei was assassinated, alongside some of his family members, on February 28, the first day of the 40-day war of aggression waged by the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran.

The Assembly of Experts subsequently appointed Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei as the new Leader of the Islamic Revolution.