A number of Iranian pilgrims on arrival in Madinah praised the significant efforts of the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the service of pilgrims, and services and facilities being provided for pilgrims without discrimination, Saudi Press Agency reported.

An Iranian pilgrim said that the Saudi passport officers distributed water, flowers and gifts to all pilgrims (coming from Iran) and that they quickly finished their entry and departure procedures before leaving to their place of residence.

SaudiArabia cut its diplomatic ties with Iran in 2016 after the Saudi Embassy in Tehran was stormed by demonstrators protesting against the execution of Shiite cleric Sheikh Nimr Al-Nimr. As a result of this diplomatic estrangement and strict measures of Saudi authorities, Iranian pilgrims absented themselves from Haj in 2016.

The agency also met one of the responsibles of an Iranian campaign who said that they were warmly welcomed since the moment they reached Madinah airport, praising gigantic potentials and efforts being exerted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for all pilgrims.

Arabic Version