Iran has announced the restart of Umrah pilgrimage trips to Saudi Arabia after a gap of nine years, bringing joy to over 5,000 pilgrims who are set to embark on the spiritual journey.
Mohammad-Hossein Ajilian, who oversees Hajj operations, has confirmed the arrangement of 11 flights from various cities across Iran. The journey begins from Mashhad on Monday, followed by departures from other important cities like Zahedan and Ahvaz.
The last flight is scheduled to depart from Mashhad on May 2nd, marking the end of this phase of Umrah pilgrimages. This development comes after diplomatic tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia eased in December, paving the way for the revival of Umrah plans.
Previous disagreements, such as issues related to entry permits, have been successfully resolved, allowing for the resumption of the pilgrimage. This positive step forward signifies progress in diplomatic relations between the two countries, especially since the reestablishment of diplomatic ties in 2023.
