Saudi Arabia Halts Iran Hajj Visas After Cleric’s Arrest

Saudi Arabia suspended hajj visa issuance for Iranians after arresting an Iranian cleric who criticized the kingdom in a video, Iranian officials said on Wednesday.

Gholamreza Qasemian was detained during hajj rituals after posting a video comparing Saudi religious cities to tourist destinations.

“You no longer need to go to Antalya for casinos, brothels, and vulgar concerts. You can go to Mecca and Medina instead,” Qasemian said in the video, referring to the Turkish resort city.

Mohammad Hossein Ranjbaran, an adviser to Iran’s foreign minister, said the cleric’s “ugly and inappropriate remarks” left thousands of Iranian pilgrims uncertain about their status.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi distanced the government from the comments and praised Saudi Arabia’s hajj hosting.

The visa suspension affects Iranian pilgrims participating in this year’s hajj. Iranian officials said they are conducting consular negotiations over Qasemian’s detention.

Saudi authorities did not immediately comment on the arrest or visa suspension.

Qasemian previously served as a religious reciter at the residence of Iran’s Supreme Leader.

Relations between Sunni-majority Saudi Arabia and Shia-majority Iran have been tense for decades, though the countries restored diplomatic ties in 2023.