Riyadh – In a significant humanitarian move amid rising regional tensions, Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has instructed the Ministry of Haj and Umrah to ensure the full support and welfare of Iranian Haj pilgrims currently in the Kingdom. This decision follows the closure of Iranian airspace after Israeli forces launched targeted strikes in Iran during the early hours of Friday, June 13, reported the Siasat.
The royal directive, issued on the recommendation of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, aims to guarantee the safety and comfort of all Iranian pilgrims stranded due to the unfolding crisis. The announcement was made via the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
According to reports, Israeli military operations targeted nuclear facilities, key scientists, and high-ranking officials within Iran. In response, Tehran shut down its airspace and later retaliated with missile attacks on Tel Aviv the same day, further escalating fears of a broader conflict in the region.
Despite the crisis, Haj 2025 rituals had already concluded for the Iranian pilgrims by Monday, June 9. They had completed the Days of Tashreeq, the Farewell Tawaf, and the Sa’i between Safa and Marwa at the Grand Mosque in Makkah.
More than 85,000 Iranian pilgrims took part in this year’s Haj, joining over 1.67 million pilgrims from across the globe, according to the Saudi General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT).
This move by the Saudi leadership is being seen as a crucial humanitarian gesture to uphold the sanctity of Haj and ensure the well-being of pilgrims irrespective of political tensions.
