Amwaj:

The story: Millions of Iranians are taking part in this year’s Arbaeen pilgrimage, with attendance levels seemingly unaffected by Israel’s June 13-24 war on Iran. Notably, attendees have included Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, while new national security advisor Ali Larijani separately also visited pilgrimage routes. As in the past, the Islamic Republic is facilitating the annual occasion, framing it as a display of resilience and soft power, even as domestic water and electricity crises have sparked criticism over resource allocation.

The coverage: This year’s Arbaeen pilgrimage, the passing of 40 days after the 680 CE martyrdom anniversary of Hussein Ibn Ali, a grandson of Prophet Muhammad, saw 3.54M Iranian pilgrims cross into Iraq by Aug. 13. The occasion peaked on Aug. 14 in the Iraqi city of Karbala.

Ali Akbar Pourjamshidian, head of the Arbaeen Central Headquarters, the main body in Iran responsible for organizing and coordinating the pilgrimage, said on Aug. 13 that many have already returned.

Notably, officials said around 50 Iranian pilgrims were briefly detained at the shrine of Hussein ibn Ali in Karbala for chanting anti-Israeli slogans during the ceremonies, but were later released due to the "good relations” between Tehran and Baghdad.

Iranian attendees included Foreign Minister Araghchi. Taking to Twitter/X, the top diplomat wrote, “Imam Hussein's battle was a stand against injustice and oppression, not a fight for worldly power or personal gain. His unrelenting and selfless sacrifice carries timeless lessons that each Muslim must take to heart—especially when faced with adversaries who doubt your might and fortitude.”

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