28-03-2024 08:31 PM Jerusalem Timing

Saudi Bows to Iranian Demands following Leader’s Warning of Fierce Response

Saudi Bows to Iranian Demands following Leader’s Warning of Fierce Response

Saudi health minister said that his country will repatriate Iranian pilgrims killed in last week’s Hajj stampede, Saudi state media said, after Tehran threatened a "fierce" response over delays.

Saudi Arabia: Hajj stampedeSaudi health minister said that his country will repatriate Iranian pilgrims killed in last week's Hajj stampede, Saudi state media said, after Tehran threatened a "fierce" response over delays.

Tehran has accused Saudi Arabia of hindering its efforts to bring home the bodies of at least 239 Iranians who died in last week's tragedy near the Muslim holy city of Mecca.

Another 241 people, including senior Iranian diplomat and former ambassador to Lebanon, are among the Iranians still listed as missing six days after the deadly crush.

"The two parties have agreed on the repatriation of the bodies of identified dead Iranians as soon as possible," Saudi's SPA state news agency reported early Thursday following talks with the Iranian delegation in Jeddah.

The two sides will also "maintain contacts to identify the rest and look after the wounded," SPA added under the agreement struck between Saudi health minister Khaled al-Falih and his Iranian counterpart Hassan Hashemi.

It said the Saudi minister "stressed the kingdom's government's wish to cooperate with the Islamic Republic of Iran," amid clear fears of Iran's retaliation.

Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Grand Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei warned on Wednesday that Saudi Arabia's situation 'will not be good' if Iran reacts to Saudis' mistreatment regarding Mina stampede.

Tehran said last week that Saudi authorities have failed to issue visas for Iranian officials who sought to travel to the kingdom to facilitate the repatriation of the dead and the injured.

"Saudi officials are failing to do their duties," Ayatollah Khamenei said in a speech to graduating navy officers, following delays in the return of the hajj dead, accusing some of the officials of "slyness".

"They should know that the slightest disrespect towards tens of thousands of Iranian pilgrims in Mecca and Medina and not fulfilling their obligation to transfer holy bodies will have Iran's tough and fierce reaction," his eminence reiterated.