TEHRAN – Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Baqeri has highlighted the significance of the annual Arabeen pilgrimage which draws millions of Muslims to the Iraqi city of Karbala each year. 

Baqeri visited the National Police Command Center to receive briefings on the security measures adopted to ensure the safety of pilgrims at Iran’s border with Iraq on Tuesday. There, he told his juniors not to take the opportunity to serve Imam Hussein (the third Shia Imam) for granted.  

"I thank God for the opportunity to be among the servants of Hazrat Aba Abdullah Al-Hussein (AS) at the National Police Command," Baqeri stated, emphasizing the importance of the event.

General Baqeri emphasized that both field inspections and command center updates indicated a seamless operation during this year's pilgrimage. "Reports received from Tehran to the border terminals show that the sincere and dedicated service of our comrades in the national police is evident," he noted. "All the disarray experienced in previous years regarding road traffic, border crossings, security issues, and services has thankfully been resolved."

With over 2.5 million Iranian pilgrims crossing borders to visit holy sites, Baqeri highlighted the efficiency of border operations. "Fortunately, the waiting time for pilgrims at the borders has been reduced to just a few seconds," he remarked. "Infrastructure is ready, and security and services provided by the hosts are effectively in place."

Despite facing extreme heat during this year’s ceremony, Baqeri commended the efforts of all involved. "Tasks are being carried out satisfactorily," he said. He also encouraged pilgrims to provide feedback upon their return, stating, "The police command has announced its readiness to welcome all feedback from the pilgrims so that existing issues can be resolved by next year."

In his closing remarks, General Baqeri underscored the significance of the Arbaeen pilgrimage. "The Arbaeen ceremony is essentially a demonstration of Islamic power and the deep connection of our people and many others to Islamic teachings and the (Shia) Imams (AS) on this massive scale," he stated. 

Iran has mobilized hundreds of forces at its southern and southwestern borders to ensure the security of pilgrims this Arabaeen, which marks 40 days after the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein who was martyred in approximately 680 AD. Imam Hussein is a highly venerated religious figure in Iran, being seen as the symbol of the fight against injustice and tyranny.