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Arbaeen Brings Over 22 Million to Karbala as Iran’s Presence Is Prominent

The turnout underlines Tehran’s visible role in Iraq’s ritual life and increases pressure on Baghdad over militia disarmament and lost oil revenue.

Shiite Muslim worshippers march toward the Imam Hussein Shrine ahead of Arbaeen, the annual Shiite commemoration marking 40 days after Ashoura, in Karbala, Iraq, Monday, Aug. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Hadi Mizban)
Aerial photo shows Shiite pilgrims gathering between the holy shrine of Imam Hussein and the holy shrine of Imam Abbas ahead of Arbaeen, the annual Shiite commemoration marking 40 days after Ashura, in Karbala, Iraq, Sunday, Aug. 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Hadi Mizban)
Shiite worshippers gather between the holy shrines of Imam Hussein and Imam Abbas, ahead of Arbaeen, the annual Shiite commemoration marking 40 days after Ashoura, at the Imam Hussein Shrine in Karbala, Iraq, Monday, Aug. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Hadi Mizban)
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Overview

  • Iraqi officials said more than 22 million people entered Karbala for Arbaeen this year, while the military operations command reported about 4.88 million pilgrims had entered Iraq since the start of Muharram.
  • Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi attended the pilgrimage and observers and pilgrims reported a strong visible presence of Iranian flags and pilgrims along the Najaf–Karbala route.
  • Reporters and officials described the gathering taking place against elevated regional tensions and fears of further escalation between the United States and Iran.
  • The ceremony occurred as Iraq faces acute economic strain after disruptions to oil exports tied to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a problem that matters because oil provides over 90% of state revenue.
  • Baghdad’s bid to disarm Iran‑aligned militias remains unresolved, with powerful groups such as Kataib Hezbollah publicly rejecting calls to give up what they call the 'weapons of the resistance,' a stance that complicates Iraq’s political balance and security planning.