Tehran agrees on Saudi arrangements to allow Iranians to perform Hajj

Saudi Okaz newspaper reported Tuesday that Iran agreed on arrangements set by the Saudi Hajj Ministry to allow Iranian pilgrims to perform Hajj this season.

The paper said that an agreement in this regard is scheduled to be signed Wednesday.

It was earlier reported that hundreds of Iranian nationals would miss their annual Hajj pilgrimage this year.

On May 12, Iranian Culture Minister Ali Jannati, who oversees the Hajj Organization, said "arrangements have not been put together" for Iranians to make this year's pilgrimage to Mecca at the end of the summer. 

The two countries held an unsuccessful first round of talks last month in Saudi Arabia on organizing this year’s pilgrimage for Iranians.

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj has denied then, claims that it will bar Iranian citizens from the annual Hajj pilgrimage this year.

The ministry accused Iran of blocking its own citizens from attending Hajj as “one of many means to pressure” the Saudi government.

According to a statement, Saudi officials met with an Iranian delegation in April to decide on Hajj arrangements, but the Iranians left without signing the agreement, saying they will seek the advice of Iran’s religious authority.

The Saudi authorities have accused Iran of insisting on a number of unacceptable demands, including performing Shiite private ceremonies at the holy lands.

Source ; MENA