Iran's parliament speaker visits Karbala, meets Iraqi governor

KARBALA, Iraq — Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Galibaf met with Karbala Governor Nasif Jasim al-Hatibi in the Iraqi holy city, with Iran's Ambassador to Baghdad Mohammad Kazim Al-i Sadik and Iranian Consul General in Karbala Jaafar Safiri also present. According to a statement from the governor's media office, Galibaf praised developments in Karbala and thanked local authorities and residents for the services provided to visitors during the Arbaeen pilgrimage marking the martyrdom of Imam Hussein. The Iranian speaker noted that large-scale services and efforts were made for the pilgrims, who travel to Karbala each year in the millions to mark the 40th day after Ashura. The delegation is continuing its contacts in Karbala, according to the statement. No further details on the agenda or duration of the visit were immediately available.