Saudi accuses Iran of banning citizens from performing Hajj ritual

Saudi Arabia on Monday accused Iran of "politicizing" the Hajj and held it responsible for barring its citizens from performing the ritual this season, Saudi Press Agency reported.

Iran announced on Thursday that its citizens would miss the Hajj this year, after Tehran failed to reach an agreement with Riyadh on arrangements for its pilgrims to join the annual ritual in September.

In a meeting on Monday, the Saudi Cabinet was briefed that Iranian hajj affairs officials refused to sign the deal.

"Saudi Arabia welcomes all pilgrims and does not stop any Muslim from visiting the holy cities," the Cabinet said.

It added that Iran's decision to ban its citizens to perform Hajj this year is aimed to "politicize" the ritual and exploit it in underestimating the Saudi efforts to serve pilgrims and ensure their safety and stability.

Iranians were among other pilgrims who died in stampede in last year's Hajj.

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) had also condemned the Iranian move.

GCC Secretary General Abdullateef Al Zayani said on Friday that Hajj is a sacred duty for all Muslims and shouldn't be linked with political stances or disputes between countries.

In January, Saudi Arabia cut its diplomatic ties with Iran following attacks on its mission in the country during angry protests against the Saudi execution of a prominent Shiite cleric. Endit