Iran Prepares Extensive Logistics, Volunteer Support for Arbaeen 2025 Pilgrimage

With just two months remaining until Arbaeen 2025, Iran is advancing extensive preparations to support millions of Shia pilgrims traveling to Karbala, Iraq, Iqna reported. Majid Namjoo, Secretary of the Public Participation, Accommodation, and Catering Committee for Arbaeen, announced that 7,000 to 8,000 trucks from across Iran will transport essential supplies for moukebs—voluntary service stations providing free food, shelter, and medical aid—across key border crossings including Shalamcheh, Khosravi, and Mehran.

Nearly 200,000 volunteers will staff over 3,000 moukebs, with about 1,800 located in Iraq and 1,200 in Iran, alongside 338 shared moukebs jointly operated to optimize services. Moukeb operations are expected to begin around the 10th of Safar and continue until the 23rd to accommodate late-returning pilgrims.

Namjoo emphasized environmental responsibility, encouraging neighboring moukebs to coordinate meal planning to reduce food waste. Regional workshops have been held, with four more planned in Tehran, Shiraz, Kermanshah, and Ilam.

To ensure high hygiene and food safety standards, the committee is integrating modern technology and startup innovations. Both Iranian teams and Iraq’s Ministry of Health will closely monitor conditions to safeguard pilgrims’ health during this massive religious gathering.