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TEHRAN: Iran has failed to reach agreement with Saudi Arabia on arrangements for its pilgrims to join Haj in September following the severing of ties, its culture minister said on Thursday.
An Iranian delegation held four days of talks in Saudi Arabia last month aimed at thrashing out a deal but with Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran closed since January and Iranian flights to the kingdom halted they hit deadlock.
"The arrangements have not been put together and it's now too late," Ali Jannati told the official IRNA news agency. "The sabotage is coming from the Saudis. Their attitude was cold and inappropriate. They did not accept our proposals concerning the issuing of visas or the transport and security of the pilgrims. Saudi officials say our pilgrims must travel to another country to make their visa applications."
Iran has been insisting that Saudi Arabia issue visas through the Swiss embassy in Tehran, which has looked after Saudi interests since Riyadh broke off ties in January following the ransacking of its diplomatic missions by protesters after it executed a leading Shia cleric.
Another contentious issue has been security, after a massive stampede at last year's Haj killed more than 2,000 foreign pilgrims, including 464 Iranians.
Jannati's ministry of culture and Islamic guidance oversees Iran's Haj organisation which held the abortive negotiations in Saudi Arabia.
Iran and Saudi Arabia are at odds over a raft of regional issues, notably the conflicts in Syria and Yemen.
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May 12, 2016 02:26pm
"Saudi officials say our pilgrims must travel to another country to make their visa applications.""
How rude and disgusting of Saudis to make such conditions. Saudis, the ruling family to be specific, is a disgrace to entire Muslim world.
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May 12, 2016 02:34pm
The security of Saudi Mission was responsibility of Iran which is the core reason behind this Sabotage. So I would blame Iran more than KSA.
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May 12, 2016 02:34pm
This could be a blessing in disguise. With reduced space for Haj due to construction, Saudis have already reduced quotas of various countries by 25%. If Iranians are not going, the burden would be greatly reduced.
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May 12, 2016 02:39pm
V sad Politics is being played by both countries on a pure religious Duty.
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May 12, 2016 02:47pm
Like any other country, Saudi has the right for not trusting in Iran, but both countries should still put their political differences aside when Hajj pilgrimage is involved .
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May 12, 2016 02:55pm
@Frankenstein : The security of Pilgrims is the responsibility of KSA what would you have to say for that ?
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May 12, 2016 02:56pm
God is everywhere... So no problem if you can't go to one place.
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May 12, 2016 03:00pm
@JB : Agreed, Aaley Saud have no right to stop anyone from performing Hajj.
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May 12, 2016 03:03pm
@M.Saeed did I just read what what I read
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May 12, 2016 03:15pm
that will be a big drop in Haj revenue for Saudis, both saudis and iranians should live as brothers.
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May 12, 2016 03:20pm
Shouldn't have burnt the Saudi embassy then.
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May 12, 2016 03:21pm
Pakistan should offer to play the mediator
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May 12, 2016 03:24pm
@Frankenstein that is a separate issue
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May 12, 2016 03:25pm
Embarrassing situation for the whole UMAH...... Rather than censuring each other for the past.... they should look forward to a formidable relationship for the whole Muslim community................ I would urge both nations to please sit together and talk like Muslims to each other.........
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May 12, 2016 03:32pm
Sad situation why pilgrims should suffer. Saudi has no right to refuse Iranian pilgrims or to create hurdles. Saudi should not miss the opportunity make things better of last year mishaps. Kingdom is losing peoples support and oil crisis is adding fuel to fire. Please open mind and heart before things get of control and way it seems Iran is becoming next regions supper power. Both countries similar resources but Iran has advantage of better human power.
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May 12, 2016 03:33pm
@M.Saeed : So you have nothing to say/feel for those who will be going to miss the biggest event of the life time. Do you ?
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May 12, 2016 03:38pm
@M.Saeed Burden? Seriously? Hmmm...
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May 12, 2016 03:43pm
Saudi-Iran political uneasiness must be resolved at the OIC platform.Moreover role of Muslim intellectuals and clerics can support to mobilize the harmony in the Muslim world.
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May 12, 2016 04:11pm
@Mango man : Your interjection is true
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May 12, 2016 04:23pm
@M.Saeed yes Iranians come for hajj in hundreds of thousands...this will definitely ease the load.
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May 12, 2016 04:23pm
@JB Iranis attacked Saudi Mission in Tehran, which was an act of war, no rudeness can be equal to an act of war.
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May 12, 2016 04:24pm
Saudis must issue visas to any Muslim who wants to perform Haj irrespective of the fact whether there are any diplomatic relations or not. Saudis need to improve the situation before Muslims take things in their own hands.
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May 12, 2016 04:27pm
@SadFaces, Like or dislike should never play any role in letting people perform Hajj. Saudis MUST let people perform Hajj and let another country issue visas on their behalf.
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May 12, 2016 04:28pm
Signs of doomsday: "Muslims will be stopped to perform Haj.
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May 12, 2016 04:44pm
No muslim country is in a position to soften the relations between two estranged brothers. It is really a matter of grave concern. Both are right and both are wrong. Neither KSA nor Iran can claim to be honest in dealings. Forget Pakistan meddling. It has borders with Iran and as such can not annoy them. KSA has 4 lac pakistanis sending more than 10 billion dollars in remittances. very tricky situation
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May 12, 2016 04:44pm
@JB not rude at all. its a general practice but only if you knew. countries that do not entertain diplomatic missions and protect them have to bear the consequences.
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May 12, 2016 04:45pm
Iran and Saudi Arabia creating trouble for the Muslim Ummah.
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May 12, 2016 04:46pm
@Babu Rao and they make all the appropriate and reasonable arrangements. you cant stop an event induced by natural calamity. force of the nature overpowers everything!
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May 12, 2016 04:51pm
Haj should be out of regional conflicts. This is a place to set aside the differences and come as an Ummah not to highlight the differences of opinions.
All pilgrims should be respected and treated well regardless of their country of passport.
Haj should be managed by independent body of Muslims.
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May 12, 2016 04:52pm
No politics in religion may prove a goodness.
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May 12, 2016 04:58pm
I think under the given circumstances KSA cannot be blamed. Hajj is a pure religious duty that a Muslim is supposed to perform, Politicizing with demonstration while in Haramain Sharifain is in very bad taste that should neither be done or allowed. During Hajj & Umrah seasons it is the responsibilities of the Saudi government to maintain absolute peace enabling the pilgrims to perform their religious rites easily. History has seen that pilgrims from Iran stages demonstrations with anti government slogans in KSA risking lives, This is absolutely wrong. KSA is 100% right to stop such actions.
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May 12, 2016 05:02pm
@M.Saeed If you are stopped from performing Haj, will you feel the same?
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May 12, 2016 05:05pm
@JB
How rude and disgusting of Iran to allow the ransacking of Saudi diplomatic mission in Iran.
Iran's usual infantile behaviour is to blame. If they had protected the Saudi Mission than the Iranian people could have availed a haj visa from the said mission.
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May 12, 2016 05:06pm
@JB Once a country burns the diplomatic mission of another country such things will happen, its plain simple
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May 12, 2016 05:11pm
india should step in and help our brother nation both iran and Saudi to sort out this issue
as we have second highest muslim population both shia and sunnis
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May 12, 2016 05:23pm
@Farhan yes all iranians burnt the embassy and now they must never be allowed for Hajj. you have weird sense of justice.
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May 12, 2016 05:47pm
Iran trying to polarize the Haj and thereby deny the Saudi's any economic benefits that come with the Haj. This will not work
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May 12, 2016 05:50pm
Both countries should start talking to each and hammer out difference in the larger interest of Muslim ummah. Both sides should respect the rights of all minorities and sub-sects of Islam rather than promoting religious bigotry.
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May 12, 2016 06:01pm
@JB that's what happens when you diplomatic relations are terminated. The Iranians are blaming the Saudis for something they did themselves.
Its like this, you cross the street and get hit by a car, if you had not crossed the street you would be fine. Hence it's your fault.
Iran never takes responsibility for anything.
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May 12, 2016 06:03pm
@Babu Rao true, but what Iran is asking is special privleges. One time they wanted to send armed guards. See they are not providing details.
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May 12, 2016 06:04pm
@Babu Rao they are not stopping anyone.
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May 12, 2016 06:06pm
@Frankenstein "The security of Saudi Mission was responsibility of Iran which is the core reason behind this Sabotage. So I would blame Iran more than KSA" But Iran immediately condemned the act whereas Saudis never showed any remorse on killing such a high ranking pious Shia cleric the haughty attitude of Royal Family will soon be proved disastrous for them
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May 12, 2016 06:09pm
@M. Siddique perhaps you don't understand. The Swiss just cannot issue visas. They have send the application to the Saudi ministry. They do not have access to Saudi intelligence. That's why the Saudis are saying that they need to apply directly to a consulate. How would the Swiss know that the person applying is not someone that should be allowed in the country? Also how will the Swiss guarantee that the person will leave the country upon termination of haj?
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May 12, 2016 06:10pm
Iran and Saudi govt need to come to their senses,make peace and stop causing further chaos and instability in the Muslim World .
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May 12, 2016 06:18pm
@Frankenstein You cannot equate a religious duty with the arrogance of a Monarch
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May 12, 2016 06:19pm
This shows how arrogant suadis are. Downfall has already started. God is Great.
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May 12, 2016 06:32pm
@Zubaida khan You are totally ignorant of procedures of diplomatic mission many countries do not open their own consulates in many countries however they bestow the charge of issuing visas to some other country who has the consulate in that country please do some research before presenting false explanations
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May 12, 2016 06:34pm
Saudis should let the Muslim world manage the holy sites. Pure monopoly by Saudis is holding the Muslim world hostage.
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May 12, 2016 06:36pm
Saudis have shown they are a monopoly. It's their way or the highway.
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May 12, 2016 06:45pm
@Junaid Ahmed "Iranis attacked Saudi Mission in Tehran, which was an act of war, no rudeness can be equal to an act of war" No not at all it was not an act of war becuase the mission was attacked by the angry mob not by the Iranian army or any other security force and Iranian government immediately condemned the attack and arrested the culprits whereas not allowing Muslims to perform their religious obligation is a grave sin and also against the diplomatic norms
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May 12, 2016 06:48pm
This attitdue of saudi Monarchs make it imperative that both holy cities should only be managed by the whole ummah not by a Royal Family
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May 12, 2016 06:54pm
Both countries are the worst using Islam to serve their political interests.
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May 12, 2016 06:54pm
Both Muslims both are enemies.
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May 12, 2016 06:55pm
Very sad, but good dicision by Iran,
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May 12, 2016 06:56pm
And we keep hearing about keeping religion separate from politics
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May 12, 2016 07:00pm
Saudi fail to organize hajj , all muslim countries should be part of organizing this event.
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May 12, 2016 07:18pm
@Kabeer A mob cannot just get angry and attack an foreign mission building in large numbers, stay there without being stopped for some time. Just see the time, in the capital like Tehran which is heavily protected by security forces and INTELLIGENCE AGENCIES more importantly, kindly don't be naive.
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May 12, 2016 07:26pm
I think Iran once have boycotted Haj. It's no big deal for them. KSA should improve its security situations or not only many will be deprived off Haj but a main source of of Saudi income will be cut down.
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May 12, 2016 07:28pm
Iran, after signing the deal with the US had a great opportunity to play the role of a mature peacemaker focusing on building bridges with its neighbors and uplifting the socioeconomic status of people. Unfortunately its policy of blind sectarian based support is regressive and now even denies their citizens haj.
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May 12, 2016 07:44pm
@Junaid Ahmed Still it was not attacked by or endorsed by the Iranian Government and they wasted no time to condemn the act therefore you cannot considered it as an act of war secondly do not try to drag a religious obligation of Hajj into the regional conflicts. Hajj has far greater importance for Muslims than burning of a vacant consulate
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May 12, 2016 07:47pm
@Omar AFTAB "Unfortunately its policy of blind sectarian based support is regressive" your comments are based on total ignorance because Iran is the biggest and might be only supporter of Hamas (Palestinian), Bashar Ul Asad and Syrian people and Yemeni people they all are not Shiite, infact they all are Sunnis
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May 12, 2016 08:06pm
The hajj is one of the five essential practices of Islam; when they make the pilgrimage to Mecca, Muslims ritually act out the central principles of their faith. It has nothing to do with politics , hate, racism, color..it is all about love...Folks. . Real love is a pilgrimage. It happens when there is no strategy, but it is very rare because most people are strategists...
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May 12, 2016 08:22pm
Iran and Saudi Arabia are acting like little kids fighting and pointing at each other.
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May 12, 2016 08:47pm
@Farhan
Haj is not performed at the will of Saud family. Mecca and Medina should be independent countries just like how Vatican operates.
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May 12, 2016 08:49pm
it's a crime under Islamic law that Saudis are saying no to Iranian pilgrims. I can foresee the downfall of house of Saud then how they would stop us.
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May 12, 2016 09:03pm
@divergence these two nations can never get alongwith each other that's what the Problem is
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May 12, 2016 09:27pm
@Babu Rao I have a lot to say about the iranian government who has decided not cooperate.
In fact any Irani can come to Pakistan and get a visa for haj.
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May 12, 2016 09:28pm
@Shaukat Ali Khan iran is the one creating the trouble. They are to blame.
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May 12, 2016 09:31pm
@Raja Ragu Raman they are not stopped. They send their passports to iraq, pakistan afghanistan, and even India.
How do you think Palestinians living I'm Israel go for haj?
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May 12, 2016 09:33pm
@hassan It's not burning the embassy that is the issue, it is allowing the embassy to be burnt. How many of the arsonists were shot by the police? An embassy is sovereign land. When you attack the embassy you attack the country.
Iran has a history of embassy attacks. And then they claim to be innocent.
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May 12, 2016 09:55pm
This is not a new issue. At the end Saudis will lose the PR battle. Iranian are not completely innocent either. Saudis didn't handle the situation humanly after the last year incident.
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May 12, 2016 09:58pm
@Zubaida khan "An embassy is sovereign land. When you attack the embassy you attack the country" How sacred would be an embassy but not sacred than holy Hajj how a Muslim can be deprived of his right to perform Hajj ? do you have any answer ?
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May 12, 2016 10:02pm
@Zubaida khan WoW you compared Saudi monarchy with Israeli regime
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May 12, 2016 10:10pm
To all people who say that haj should be managed by all Muslim countries my question is how would you feel if Nankana sahab is managed by all countries with Sikh population, that would mean pretty much it will be handed over to India. And also people who feel that every one should get a visa for haj, how about giving a visa to every Indian who claims to come for a visit to Nankana sahab.
Saudi's have the right to deny visas if they believe some people will create trouble for their country same as Pakistan has the right to deny a visa if they seem fit. And Saudis have not refused to give visas, the just want to give it them using their own embassy. So Iran you should have not burned it down.
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May 12, 2016 11:01pm
Islamic brotherhood. I hope Pakistan is learning that there is no Muslim ummah, its everyone for themselves. Our military and government must always put Pakistan first.
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May 12, 2016 11:02pm
Pakistan should their diplomat in resolving issue or facilitate in giving visa by doing this they can come close Iranian people.
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May 12, 2016 11:17pm
It has become clear that the supervision of the Haj is not working correctly as is being done currently by the government of Saudi Arabia...
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May 13, 2016 01:06am
@Ali Mehdi "it's a crime under Islamic law that Saudis are saying no to Iranian pilgrims. I can foresee the downfall of house of Saud then how they would stop us."
We need to come out of sectarian clout. we don'y know if Saudis have said no to iranian pilgrims
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May 13, 2016 01:32am
@Junaid Ahmed ...how it can be act of War if the embassy attackers were punished by Iranian government.
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May 13, 2016 02:41am
@Zubaida khan how would you comment on the lack of security for the pilgrims. Iran lost more than 450 of its citizens during the last Haj. the stampede that was criminal negligence on the part of Saudi govt. why they had to shut off those doors. if Iran is having concerns and wants to have assurances I think it's being concerned about its citizens. can you or the govt of Pakistan have a dialogue with the Saudi govt. I don't think so.
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May 13, 2016 09:21am
Since China is friendly with both the countries, Iranians should process their visas via Chinese embassy. China can also help in maintaining discipline and security in Mecca if the Saudis need help.
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May 13, 2016 11:54am
@Zubaida khan "How do you think Palestinians living I'm Israel go for haj?" You did a right comparison they both regimes are two faces of a same coin
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May 13, 2016 03:09pm
@Xinyang Peng, Shenzen
non muslims are not even permitted to enter mecca or medina.
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