Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces announced on Wednesday that more than four million people participated in the funeral procession of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in Karbala, following the attendance of more than 2.3 million mourners in Najaf.

The body was flown from Najaf to Karbala after funeral prayers at the Imam Ali Shrine, attended by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Iraqi and Iranian officials.

Iranian First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref said the turnout reflected the strong ties between the two nations, while the Iraqi government declared an official holiday to coincide with the ceremonies.