An Iranian tour operator said he was feeling “comfort and safety” in Saudi Arabia for the first time. Read more at straitstimes.com.
MECCA, Saudi Arabia - If a landmark reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran has eased tensions in the Gulf, clouds have also lifted at the haj pilgrimage, where Iranian visitors finally feel welcome again.
“Yes, we were subjected to harassment,” said the 55-year-old, who did not want to give his name, citing the sensitivity of the matter. In March, the two sides announced a surprise Chinese-brokered detente. In June, Iran reopened its Riyadh embassy and the Saudi foreign minister visited Teheran. The haj had previously proved a sticking point between Riyadh and Teheran. No Iranian pilgrims were allowed in 2016, the year that ties were ruptured, as the two sides were unable to organise a protocol for them to attend.
An Iranian tour operator who has joined the haj on several occasions said he was feeling “comfort and safety” in Saudi Arabia for the first time. PHOTO: AFP More than 86,000 Iranians, including 300 aged over 80, are on this year’s haj, according to Iranian media reports, after Saudi Arabia removed Covid-19-era caps on numbers and a maximum age limit.
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