Saudi Ambassador attends Iranian pilgrims' Umrah departure

After a nine-year hiatus, the first group of Iranian pilgrims embarked on a journey to Saudi Arabia for the Umrah pilgrimage, signifying a positive turn in the relations between the two nations. The departure of 85 pilgrims was marked by the presence of Saudi Ambassador Abdullah bin Saud al-Anzi at Tehran's main airport, underscoring the significance of this event.

In December, reports emerged that Saudi Arabia had lifted restrictions on Iranian pilgrims interested in performing Umrah. However, the actual commencement of flights was delayed until now due to what Iran termed as 'technical issues.' The recent thaw in relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia can be traced back to March 2023 when China played a mediating role in facilitating an agreement that led to the restoration of full diplomatic ties. These relations had been severed in 2016 following the execution of a Shia cleric by Riyadh and the subsequent attack on the Saudi embassy in Tehran.

Prior to the restoration of diplomatic relations, Iranian pilgrims were limited to undertaking the Hajj pilgrimage, a religious obligation for Muslims that is expected to be fulfilled at least once in their lifetime.