Around one million Iraqis expected at Khamenei funeral, Iranian diplomat says

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iran's chargé d'affaires in Baghdad, Mohammad Abiri, said approximately one million Iraqi visitors have expressed interest in attending the funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to Iran's state news agency Mehr. Speaking at a meeting in the border city of Mehran, Abiri said the visitors come from government circles, tribes, political parties and the general public. Between 500,000 and 600,000 are expected to enter Iran through the Mehran international border crossing before traveling onward to Tehran, Qom and Mashhad. Abiri said the Iranian Embassy is coordinating with Iraqi authorities to maximize the use of public transport convoys and limit private vehicle traffic along the route. Coordination with relevant agencies is also continuing to ensure fuel and diesel supplies for the journey, he added.