Imam Reza Shrine, in the northeastern Iranian city of Mashhad, hosted a grand ceremony to honor Iraqi Mukib (pilgrim service station) operators, recognizing their dedicated assistance to the Iranian people and celebrating fraternal ties.

Ayat. Ahmad Marvi, the Custodian of Astan Qods Razavi (AQR), Ali Akbar Pourjamshidian, Deputy Interior Minister and Head of the Arbaeen Central Headquarters, Hoj. Mohammad Qomi, Leader’s Deputy for International Affairs, and various Iranian and Iraqi officials attended the gathering alongside Mukib representatives.

Opening the event, Ayat. Marvi welcomed the Iraqi guests and praised their enduring hospitality toward pilgrims of Imam Hussain (AS).

"The profound bond between the Iranian and Iraqi nations stems from our shared devotion to the Infallible Ahl al-Bayt (AS)”, he stated.

Recalling the massive Iraqi participation in the funeral procession of the martyred Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, he described the solidarity as a brilliant manifestation of religious brotherhood.

He cautioned against enemies attempting to sow discord through the media, asserting, "We must vigilantly safeguard our deep historical and spiritual ties."

Elsewhere, Pourjamshidian commended the presence of Iraqi Mukibs in Iran during the recent wartime conditions as a true display of chivalry and sacrifice. He noted, "When the Iranian people faced attacks by America and the Zionist regime, Iraqi Mukib operators came from various cities to stand alongside our citizens and rescue forces."

He added, "They announced that they would remain beside their Iranian brothers as long as the war continued."

Hoj. Qomi conveyed the greetings and appreciation of the Leader to the Iraqi guests, emphasizing that Iran-Iraq relations extend far beyond mere neighborly ties. He described Arbaeen as a global symbol of unity and resistance against hegemony.

Representing the Iraqi Mukibs, Sattar Allawi noted: “Their relief efforts date back to 2014 when they stood alongside security forces and the Hashd al-Shaabi against Daesh”.

He stated, "The presence of more than three hundred Iraqi Mukibs in Iran demonstrates that our two nations share unbreakable bonds through our love for the Ahl al-Bayt (AS)."

The ceremony also highlighted the touching story of Youssef Hosseini, an Iraqi teenager who repeatedly donated his cherished belongings—including his bicycle and a gifted car—to support the Iranian people. He recited an epic poem expressing profound affection for Iran, receiving special recognition from officials. The event concluded with commemorative gifts presented to the exemplary Mukib operators.