Iran’s Pezeshkian vows stronger ties with Saudi Arabia in Eid call
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Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian affirms commitment to boosting ties with Saudi Arabia during Eid call with Crown Prince bin Salman.
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In this photo released by the Iranian Presidency Office, President Masoud Pezeshkian steps out from his plane as he arrives at Muscat, Oman, Tuesday, May 27, 2025. (Iranian Presidency Office)
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian confirmed on Thursday his country’s determination to deepen cooperation with all Islamic nations, particularly Saudi Arabia, during a phone call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman.
The call, made on the occasion of Eid al-Adha, underscored what Pezeshkian described as the “important and valuable steps” taken in recent months to advance diplomatic ties between Tehran and Riyadh.
Pezeshkian also expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s role in organizing the annual Hajj pilgrimage and hosting Iranian pilgrims. His remarks reflect ongoing efforts by both countries to consolidate a fragile but growing détente after years of regional rivalry.
Separately, Ali Reza Bayat, head of Iran’s Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization, called on Iranian pilgrims to respect Saudi customs and avoid any actions that could cause division or tension during the religious season.
Sayyed Khamenei urges Islamic unity
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution and the Islamic Republic of Iran, Sayyed Ali Khamenei, has called on Muslim nations to draw inspiration from the spiritual and collective essence of Hajj to help end the suffering in Gaza.
In a message to pilgrims, Sayyed Khamenei emphasized that this year marks the second Hajj season overshadowed by the tragedy in Gaza and broader West Asia.
He condemned the “brutality of the Zionists,” which, he said, has escalated the catastrophe in Gaza to “an unimaginable level.”
Highlighting the killing of Palestinian children by hunger, thirst, bombs, bullets, and missiles, Sayyed Khamenei described the situation as a “profound humanitarian disaster,” questioning, “Who will rise to confront this human tragedy?”
The Iranian leader urged Islamic governments to block all support enabling the “criminal Zionist entity” to continue its aggression. He also called on the people of these nations to pressure their governments to take meaningful action.
Massive turnout for Hajj despite harsh conditions
Meanwhile, Hajj 2025 commenced with nearly 1.5 million Muslims converging on Mecca, undeterred by severe heat and strict regulations. On Thursday, pilgrims continued to Mount Arafat to perform the most essential rite of Hajj under sweltering temperatures reaching 42°C (107.6°F).
Hundreds of thousands gathered at Arafat from the early morning, engaging in prayer and Quran recitation until sunset before moving to Muzdalifah to prepare for Eid al-Adha.
Saudi authorities issued repeated warnings about heat exhaustion, advising pilgrims to remain under shade between 10 am and 4 pm and avoid climbing hills due to the risk of heatstroke.
