Web Desk:Iranian pilgrims attending this year’s hajj in Saudi Arabia chanted slogans against the United States and Israel while praising Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Videos and eyewitnesses in Mecca showed groups of Iranian pilgrims chanting political and religious slogans near pilgrimage sites during the early days of hajj.
Saudi authorities usually ban political demonstrations, banners and slogans during the pilgrimage. The kingdom insists that hajj should focus only on worship and spiritual reflection.
However, Saudi security personnel did not stop or arrest the Iranian pilgrims during the chants. The response marked a rare exception during a period of regional tension.
The incident comes months after conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States increased instability across the Middle East.
Saudi Arabia has tightened security measures during this year’s hajj. At the same time, officials are trying to maintain calm during one of the world’s largest religious gatherings.
Iranian pilgrims have historically used hajj to express support for Palestinians and opposition to the United States and Israel.
The practice began after Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution. Since then, political chants during hajj have repeatedly created friction with Saudi authorities.
In previous years, Saudi officials detained or dispersed pilgrims accused of organizing political demonstrations.
However, analysts say Riyadh may have chosen a restrained response this year to avoid increasing tensions with Tehran.
Saudi Arabia and Iran restored diplomatic relations in 2023 under a China-brokered agreement after years of hostility.
This year’s hajj also comes after months of conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States.
Saudi officials recently warned pilgrims against raising political slogans during hajj. Authorities said they would firmly oppose activities that threaten the safety or unity of worshippers.
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