Millions of Shiite Muslims observed the annual Arbaeen pilgrimage in Karbala, Iraq, under the shadow of regional tensions and fears of U.S.-Iran escalation. The number of foreign pilgrims, excluding Iranians, appeared to be lower than in previous years.
The Arbaeen pilgrimage, one of the world's largest religious gatherings, is taking place amidst significant regional geopolitical and economic instability, highlighting Iraq's complex position and the broader impact of U.S.-Iran tensions on international travel and domestic security.
Millions of Shiite Muslims converged in the Iraqi holy city of Karbala for the annual Arbaeen pilgrimage, an event shadowed by heightened regional tensions and fears of escalation between the United States and Iran. The pilgrimage, held 40 days after Ashoura, commemorates the killing of Imam Hussein.
Officials reported that over 4.88 million pilgrims had entered Iraq since the beginning of Muharram, with arrivals from various countries continuing for what is considered one of the world's largest annual religious gatherings. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was among the high-profile foreign visitors, underscoring Iraq's delicate position balancing ties with both Washington and Tehran.
Some observers noted a visible decrease in pilgrims from countries other than Iran. Pilgrims from Baghdad, Aqeel al-Rubaie and Hassan al-Sarai, observed a prominent display of Iranian flags along the roads to Karbala and within the city, while fewer flags from European, Arab, and other Islamic nations were present. They attributed this reduction to the ongoing regional conflicts.
The pilgrimage occurs at a time when Iraq faces economic difficulties, exacerbated by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz which disrupted oil exports, a primary source of state revenue. Additionally, Baghdad is engaged in the challenging task of disarming militias, many of which are backed by Iran. Kataib Hezbollah, a powerful Iran-backed militia, has publicly stated its rejection of disarmament calls, asserting its commitment to retaining its "weapons of the resistance."