JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia said Wednesday there was no understanding with Tehran on providing preferential treatment to Iranian pilgrims, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
“We are providing preferential treatment to pilgrims coming from all over the world,” a Haj Ministry spokesman said.
Referring to Tehran's decision to stop sending pilgrims for Umrah, the spokesman said: “If Iran wants to stop its citizens from performing a religious ritual it’s their internal issue and we don't interfere in the internal issues of other countries.”
The official said Saudi Arabia would mobilize all its resources to ensure the security of all pilgrims coming from different parts of the world, including Iranians, considering them as the guests of God.
“There are no specific arrangements with the Iranians for any preferential treatment,” he added.
In January, Tehran accused Saudi authorities of mistreating Iranian pilgrims in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. Riyadh has denied the allegation.
Saudi Arabia had denounced Tehran's move to politicize the annual pilgrimage.
“The Kingdom's policy does not allow any party to tamper with the smooth operation of Haj events and undermine the security of pilgrims,” the Saudi Cabinet said in a statement.
