Haj and Umrah Minister Mohammad Salih Bentin

Haj and Umrah Minister Mohammad Salih Bentin said the issue of Iranian pilgrims is not one for negotiations with the Iranian government. “We in the Haj Ministry provided all Haj provisions but they didn’t turn up despite the fact that we provided them all services and living conditions, and health and security,” he added.

“This is our role at the ministry, and the issue is not one for negotiations. They are refusing to submit to the regulations that all the Arab and Islamic countries agreed to, and there will be another meeting with an Iranian official regarding this,” Bentin said.

The minister added that the Iranian delegation refused to sign on the agreement protocol to finalize arrangements because they wanted to deliberate further with their officials in Tehran. Also they insisted that their special demands be met.

“The Kingdom, the country, government and people have responsibilities to serve pilgrims and welcome everyone from all Islamic countries,” he added.

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