Iran bans Umrah pilgrimage

Iran today issued a ban on going for Umrah (minor Hajj) to Saudi Arabia due to diplomatic tensions between the two countries, reports the BH News Agency Patria.

The Iranian Ministry of Culture allegedly made this decision due to two Iranians who had unpleasant experiences at Jeddah airport in March. Ministry of Culture spokesperson Hossein Noushabadi said the decision will remain in effect until the Saudi Arabian government adopts a different stance.

Around 500,000 Iranians go for Umrah to Saudi Arabia every year, and 100,000 Iranian pilgrims perform Hajj annually.

Tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia have risen after the Saudis launched a military intervention against the Houthi Shiite movement in Yemen. The US, Western countries, and Saudi Arabia have accused Iran of militarily supporting the Houthi rebels.