Saudi blames Iran for Hajj impasse

Saudi Arabia, which oversees the pilgrimage to Makkah, accused Iran of depriving its citizens of the religious duty after talks on the issue failed to bridge gap between the regional rivals.

In a press release, the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Bangladesh said the Iranian delegation left the talks despite agreeing on conditions for its citizens to attend hajj.

Earlier, Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir said his country did not prevent any country from performing the religious duty.

"Iran ... was practically demanding the right to hold demonstrations and to have other advantages … that would create chaos during hajj, which is not acceptable," he added.