Iranians to Take Part in Annual Mecca Pilgrimage Despite Tensions With Saudis
Iran boycotted the 2016 hajj after a stampede and crush of pilgrims the previous year killed at least 2,426 people
Iran will allow its citizens to take part in this year's hajj pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina despite soaring tensions with archrival Saudi Arabia.
- Saudi Arabia, Allies Give Qatar 2 More Days to Accept Demands
- Mideast Is Letting Saudi Arabia Impose Its Ground Rules
- Domestic Discord Rocks Iran, but Its Regional Status Is Unaffected
- Saudi Arabia Strives to Prevent Repeat of Fatal Crush at Hajj
Iran's semi-official ISNA news agency on Wednesday quotes a representative of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ai Khamenei as saying the decision was approved last month by the National Security Council. The representative, Ali Qaziaskar, says "there is no doubt... pilgrims will participate in the ceremony magnificently."
Iran boycotted the 2016 hajj after a stampede and crush of pilgrims the previous year killed at least 2,426 people. Iran had the highest death toll of any country, with 464 killed.
Millions of Muslims from across the world take part in the annual hajj pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina, in Saudi Arabia.
Click the alert icon to follow topics:
Comments
ICYMI
Yair Lapid Is the Most Israeli of All
El Al to Stop Flying to Toronto, Warsaw and Brussels
Roe v. Wade: The Supreme Court Leaves a Barely United States
How a Spanish Beach Town Became a Haven for Nazis
What's Ayelet Shaked's Next Move?
