King Salman orders support for stranded Iranian Hajj pilgrims
RIYADH: King Salman has directed Saudi authorities to ensure that Iranian pilgrims in the Kingdom are provided all the necessary support until it's safe for them to return home.
On Friday, Israel launched an early morning attack on Iranian nuclear sites and assassinated nuclear scientists and military chiefs in a major escalation in tensions, prompting Tehran to close its airspace.
The plan to help the stranded pilgrims was put forward to the king by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has been task with the responsibility of ensuring the Iranian pilgrims get the necessary support.
The Hajj, a key pillar of Islam, concluded last week with over 1.6m pilgrims taking part, with authorities calling it a success.
Tens of thousands of Iranians attend the Hajj each year.
Iran on Friday retaliated to the attack by targeting Tel Aviv, prompting fears of a prolonged and more dangerous exchanges between the two countries.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Asharq Al-Awsat
37 minutes ago
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Crown Prince, UK Prime Minister Discuss Latest Regional Developments
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud received a phone call on Saturday from Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Keir Starmer. During the call, they discussed the latest developments in the region, including the repercussions of Israeli military operations against the Islamic Republic of Iran, SPA reported. They emphasized the importance of making every effort to de-escalate the situation and resolve differences through diplomatic means.
Al Arabiya
39 minutes ago
- Al Arabiya
Russia's Lavrov tells Iran's Araghchi that Moscow is ready to help de-escalate situation
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi in a phone call on Saturday that Moscow condemns Israel's use of force against Iran and is ready to help de-escalate the situation in the Middle East. Russia is prepared to continue to work to resolve issues surrounding Iran's nuclear program, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. Iran and Israel traded missiles and airstrikes on Saturday, the day after Israel launched a sweeping air offensive against its old enemy, killing commanders and scientists and bombing nuclear sites in a stated bid to stop it building an atomic weapon. Lavrov expressed his condolences to Araghchi for the Iranians killed in the strikes, the statement said.
Al Arabiya
an hour ago
- Al Arabiya
Croatian consul and wife injured in Iran strikes on Tel Aviv
Croatia's consul in Israel and his wife were lightly injured in Iran's missile strikes on Tel Aviv, Croatia's Foreign Minister Gordan Grlic Radman said on Saturday. 'I am shaken by the news that our consul and his wife were injured in the attack on Tel Aviv. The building they live in was hit,' he said on X, formerly Twitter. 'I spoke with them and, fortunately, their injuries are minor and they are not in any life-threatening condition.' Grlic Radman added that his ministry was in constant contact with the Croatian embassy in Israel and was taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety of its staff. 'We strongly condemn attacks on civilians and diplomatic facilities. We call for immediate de-escalation and restraint,' Grlic Radman said. Israel on Friday launched an unprecedented attack on Iran, hitting scores of targets across the country, including nuclear and military sites and residential buildings. Iran said 78 people were killed and 320 wounded in the first wave of Israeli strikes. Iran retaliated with barrages of drones and missile at Israel, killing three people and wounding dozens.
