RIYADH, MAY 18: A Saudi carrier transported Iranian pilgrims to the kingdom for Hajj, marking a major step forward in relations after years of silence.
A Saudi airline resumed flights carrying Iranian pilgrims to the kingdom for the first time in ten years, reflecting the improved diplomatic atmosphere between Riyadh and Tehran.
The official confirmed that additional flights had been scheduled from the city of Mashhad in Iran. These routes aimed to facilitate the journey of over 35,000 Iranian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the Islamic pilgrimage.
The official made clear that the flights were strictly for the Hajj pilgrimage and not for commercial purposes. The Hajj, expected to commence during the first week of June, had already begun drawing pilgrims from around the world to the kingdom.
Diplomatic relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia had resumed in March 2023 through a deal unexpectedly brokered by China, ending a seven-year rift.
The kingdom had cut ties with Iran in 2016 after its embassy in Tehran and consulate in Mashhad were stormed by protesters in reaction to Saudi Arabia’s execution of cleric Nimr al-Nimr.
During that year, Iranian pilgrims had been barred from attending the Hajj due to the failure of both nations to reach a mutual protocol.
Although Iranians were later permitted to perform the pilgrimage, they had only been able to do so via chartered Iranian flights during the Hajj season.
Since the March 2023 détente, both regional powers had significantly intensified their diplomatic engagement.
