No curfew for Khamenei funeral, traffic to stay normal, security cell says

BAGHDAD — Traffic will stay normal across Iraq and no curfew will be imposed during the funeral ceremonies for Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, with restrictions limited to the procession routes in Karbala and Najaf, Iraq’s Security Media Cell said Friday.

Cell spokesperson Saad Maan told the Iraqi News Agency that the only arrangements concerned the streets the body would pass through in Karbala and Najaf, according to the routes, locations and timings set by the funeral committee. He said a comprehensive security plan had been drawn up with several ministries, security agencies and service departments to serve those taking part.

Maan urged citizens, religious bodies, Husseini processions and visiting delegations to follow the organizational and security instructions that authorities would issue and to cooperate with security forces and service crews.

The announcement follows earlier preparations for the funeral. Iraqi authorities declared Thursday a public holiday for Ashura, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visited Baghdad as the two countries coordinated arrangements. Senior Iraqi officials also traveled to Tehran for memorial events ahead of the procession, which is scheduled to pass through Najaf and Karbala.