Al Mayadeen English
With over 1.47 million international pilgrims already arriving for the 2025 Hajj, Saudi Arabia continues to enforce strict regulations to prevent overcrowding and heat deaths during the pilgrimage. A long-standing quota system allocates Hajj slots by country based on its population, while entry restrictions ahead of the Hajj seasons are tightened to curb unauthorized pilgrims, which the Saudi Ministry of Interior warned against. Otherwise, performing or attempting to perform Hajj without a permit can result in a 20,000 SAR (5331.89 USD) fine, deportation, and a 10-year re-entry ban into the country.
Iran responds to IAEA Chief’s claim on pursuing nuclear weapons if attacked
In an exclusive interview for Al Mayadeen, Iran’s government spokesperson, Fatemeh Mohajerani, addresses the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, claim to Israeli media that Iranian officials told him that Iran would develop nuclear weapons if Iranian nuclear facilities were targeted. Mohajerani reaffirmed Iran’s full cooperation with the agency, stressing that over 20% of the IAEA's total inspections have taken place at Iranian sites. She also emphasized Iran’s transparency and rejected any intention to develop nuclear weapons.