It is being said that Iranian Muslims will not be able to take the Hajj pilgrimage this year, as Iranian-Syrian relations have escalated to the point of being completely cut in January. The conflicting perspectives the two countries have on this issue are illustrated in this article, saying, "Iranian Culture Minister Ali Jannati blamed "obstacles raised by the Saudis." [While] Saudi Arabia blamed "unacceptable" Iranian conditions."
In stampede at last year's Hajj pilgrimage, hundreds of pilgrims, most of whom were Iranians, died causing tensions to rise again between Iranians and Saudis.
The dispute between Iran and Saudi Arabia is of course rooted in religion. Iran, being predominantly Shia, and Saudi Arabia, being predominantly Sunni, have developed very tense relations over the years. This move to keep Iranian citizens from fulfilling their once-in-a-lifetime commitment to take the Hajj pilgrimage, however, is a new step taken by Saudis against Iran; it is a step too far.
"The Iranian Hajj Organization said: "Saudi Arabia is opposing the absolute right of Iranians to go on the Hajj and is blocking the path leading to Allah."
Though the Saudi foreign ministry "offered "many solutions" to Iran's demands during two days of talks," they continued to insist that "Iran's Hajj conditions were "unacceptable.""
Following the execution of Iranian Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr and 46 others charged with terrorism in Saudi Arabia, enraged Iranian protesters set fire to the Saudi embassy. Saudi Arabia cut ties and diplomatic relations with Iran, and Iranian Hajj pilgrims fell victim to this ongoing religious turned political conflict between Iran and Saudi Arabia.
- Livia Gazzolo
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-36409250
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