23 Apr. 24
In a significant diplomatic breakthrough facilitated by China, Iranian pilgrims have resumed their journey to Saudi Arabia for the Umrah pilgrimage after a nine-year suspension. This landmark development follows a series of events that strained relations between Tehran and Riyadh.
The thaw in diplomatic relations came about through a China-brokered deal last year, which paved the way for the restoration of ties and the reopening of respective embassies between Iran and Saudi Arabia. This accord marks a crucial step towards rebuilding diplomatic bridges that were severed in 2016.
Saudi Arabia cut off diplomatic relations with Iran in 2016 after pro-regime protesters attacked its embassy in Tehran and consulate in Mashhad. This rupture led to a hiatus in Iranian pilgrims’ participation in Umrah for almost a decade.
Despite Iranian pilgrims being allowed to participate in the Hajj pilgrimage last year, Umrah remained off-limits until now. Iranian state media had cited technical challenges as reasons for the repeated delays in facilitating Umrah pilgrimages.
The resumption of Umrah pilgrimages underscores a renewed chapter in diplomatic engagements between the two nations. The departure of the first group of Iranian pilgrims, totaling 5,720 individuals this year, was marked by the presence of Saudi Ambassador to Tehran, Abdullah bin Saud Alanazi, alongside several Iranian officials.
Umrah, unlike the Hajj which follows specific dates according to the lunar calendar, can be undertaken by Muslims at any time of the year in the holy city of Makkah. This development signifies a positive step towards fostering religious cooperation and goodwill between Iran and Saudi Arabia, demonstrating the potential for broader reconciliation between the two regional powers.
