Iraq's Diyala province declares two-day public holiday for Khamenei funeral

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Diyala province has declared Wednesday and Thursday, July 8 and 9, 2026, as official public holidays, suspending work across government institutions in the province. Governor Adnan Mohammed Abbas al-Shammari issued the order to allow participation in the funeral of Iran's Supreme Leader, the late Ali Khamenei, according to a statement from the provincial government. With Diyala's decision, Baghdad, Muthanna, Maysan, Najaf, Karbala, Babil, Dhi Qar, Wasit, Basra and Diwaniyah have also declared official holidays for attendance at the funeral. Under the governorate's directive, public institutions will remain closed for the two-day period. Further details on the date and procedures of the funeral ceremony were not provided in the announcement.