Arbaeen pilgrim registrations in Iran's Samah system pass 2 million

The head of Iran's Hajj and Pilgrimage Organisation said on Sunday, 26 July 2026, that the number of people registered for the Arbaeen journey in the Samah system has passed 2 million.

At the same time, the traffic police reported the start of the main wave of Arbaeen travel and said heavy congestion would continue on roads leading to the country's exit border crossings over the next 48 hours.

The Arbaeen journey is Iran's largest annual movement of passengers and carries several distinct effects for the economy: higher fuel consumption and load on the road and rail fleet, a temporary boost for border businesses in Ilam, Kermanshah and Khuzestan, and an outflow of foreign currency to Iraq to cover travel costs. This year the movement is taking place while part of the country's transport infrastructure has been damaged in the war, and the National Iranian Oil Products Distribution Company has issued special fuel supply instructions for the Arbaeen fleet and roadside service stations.