Iranians Set to Go to Hajj Will Make the Journey Next Year: Official
Speaking at a press conference in Tehran on Wednesday, Ali Reza Rashidian said Iran had made all the necessary preparations for sending pilgrims to the holy sites but the Saudi side unfortunately call off this year’s Hajj.
Those who were scheduled to make the pilgrimage this year will go to Hajj next year after the cancellation, he added.
Saudi Arabia announced on Monday it would hold a “very limited” Hajj this year, as the country is still battling with the coronavirus pandemic.
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj said the decision to curtail the pilgrimage was aimed at preserving global public health because of the risks associated with large gatherings.
It said the ritual would be open only to individuals of various nationalities residing in Saudi Arabia.
This year’s event is expected to start on July 28.
Some 2.5 million pilgrims from around the world flock annually to the cities of Mecca and Medina for the week-long ritual.
