Tehran to hold Riyadh accountable if this year’s Hajj is not observed

The Saudi Arabian government has “blocked all the paths” for Iran to negotiate details of this year’s Hajj.

According to Press TV, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hossein Jaberi Ansari censured Riyadh Saturday for “wasting the time” for the Iranian pilgrims planning to carry out the religious duty this year.

“Unless Hajj is observed, Saudi Arabia is to be held accountable,” said the spokesman on Iranian national television late on Saturday.

Ansari argued that the Saudi government is now tying Hajj to “political relations.”

“Saudi envisages itself in confrontation with Iran and has based its policy on seeking tension,” he said. “What we see is Saudi’s attempt to heighten tensions, [while] it’s the Saudis that should take on hosting duties as the government hosting Hajj.”

Instead, the Foreign Ministry spokesman argued, Riyadh is neglecting its responsibility to assure the “security and safety of pilgrims” as well as “consular support” for them.

SS