As for the latest sign of tension between the two arch rivals, Iran has refused to send pilgrims to Kingdom Saudi Arabia (KSA) this year for the annual hajj pilgrimage while KSA says there are no sanctions on Iranian pilgrims in the country.
Iran’s Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Ali Jannati said that KSA has refused to cooperate on arrangements for Iranians to join hajj pilgrimage in September.
On the other hand Saudi Arabian Interior Minister denied Iranian Minister’s statement and said there are no sanctions imposed on Iranian pilgrims but their own government didn’t submitted their application forms.
It is pertinent to mention here that, Tensions have escalated between Saudi Arabia and Iran in recent months — particularly in January, when Iranian protesters ransacked the Saudi Embassy in Tehran and set fires inside after Saudi authorities executed an outspoken Shi’ite cleric.
As a result, Riyadh cut diplomatic relations with Tehran.
