Baghaei: Arbaeen Takes On Deeper Meaning Following Recent Developments

Tehran - BORNA -  In an interview with Radio Arbaeen, Baghaei described the annual pilgrimage as a cornerstone of human dignity and resilience for Shia Muslims and freedom-seeking people worldwide. He highlighted that Iraqis have warmly embraced the memory of Iran's late leader, hailing him as the "first pilgrim of Arbaeen" on banners across Iraqi cities.

"The current climate evokes the essence of 61 AH—standing firm against oppression, resisting in the pursuit of truth, and upholding dignity," Baghaei said, adding that joint military aggression by the United States and the Israeli regime marks a critical turning point in Islamic history.

Diplomatic Missions on 24-Hour Alert

To support the massive influx of pilgrims, Baghaei confirmed that Iranian diplomatic missions across Iraq are operating around the clock in close coordination with Iraqi authorities.

"We have dispatched a significant number of additional personnel to provide consular services," he said, noting that temporary offices have been established in cities like Kadhimiya, Samarra, and Hilla, alongside full operations at existing consultancies in Karbala and Najaf. Pilgrims can also access assistance through a 24-hour hotline (128) and the digital "Sajjad" border management platform.

U.S. Border Strikes Target 'Iranian Values'

Addressing recent U.S. strikes on civilian infrastructure and border zones—including the Shalamcheh crossing—Baghaei condemned the operations as war crimes intended to inflict suffering on civilians.

"Striking a border zone like Shalamcheh or key transit bridges on the Tehran-Mashhad route targets not just physical infrastructure, but values that are sacred to the Iranian people—from the pilgrimage to Imam Reza to the Arbaeen trek," Baghaei asserted, emphasizing that such actions violate international law.

U.S. Hostility Rooted in Decades of Frustration

Baghaei dismissed recent hostile rhetoric from Washington as a sign of desperation, tracing the history of U.S. hostility back to the 1953 coup and support for Saddam Hussein's regime during the Iran-Iraq war.

"Insults and abusive language from American officials are never a display of strength; they reflect weakness and helplessness in the face of the Iranian people's resolve," Baghaei said, concluding that Arbaeen serves as an enduring symbol of choosing honor and dignity over oppression.

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