Iran Denies Receiving Invitation from Saudi to Discuss Hajj: Official

A senior Iranian official dismisses reports that Saudi Arabia has invited Iran to discuss the resumption of Iranians’ participation in Hajj pilgrimage.

“Contrary to the report published by some media outlets about the extension of an invitation by Saudi Arabia for Iran’s participation in this year’s Hajj rituals, we have received no invitation,” the new head of Iran’s Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization, Hamid Mohammadi, told IRIB on Sunday.

He added that the organization is doing all in its powers to reopen the the Hajj route for Iranians and help Iranian pilgrims benefit from their undeniable right of participating in the rituals like people from all Muslim countries.

“Definitely, if our conditions, which will ensure the dignity and security of the Iranian pilgrims, are met, grounds will be prepared for the presence of Iranian pilgrims [in Hajj],” Mohammadi pointed out.

He expressed hope necessary consular mechanisms would be implemented for the participation of Iranian pilgrims in the Hajj rituals this year.

London-based daily al-Hayat reported on Friday that Saudi Pilgrimage Minister Mohammed Bentin had opened discussions with more than 80 countries, including Iran, to work out the details of the 2017 Hajj.

The Arab News daily also said Riyadh would welcome pilgrims for Hajj “irrespective of their nationalities or sectarian affiliations, including Iranian pilgrims.”