Iranian Consul General Praises Saudi Arabia for Smooth Departure of Pilgrims After Hajj

RIYADH, June 24— Hassan Zarnegar, Iran’s Consul General in Jeddah, has praised the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for helping Iranian pilgrims depart after the Hajj 2025 was completed in a timely and well-organized manner.

In an interview with the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Zarnegar commended the efficient processes at the Northern Borders Region’s Jadidat Arar border crossing, where a large number of Iranian pilgrims started their journey home, and Arar Airport.

“The streamlined process, which includes organized bus transfers and passport clearance and disembarkation, reflects the kingdom’s commitment to ensuring a smooth experience for all pilgrims,” Zarnegar stated.

Expressing gratitude for Saudi hospitality
Zarnegar emphasized the kingdom’s appreciation for pilgrims from all countries and the spirit of Islamic brotherhood that still characterizes Saudi-Iranian relations via the efforts of Saudi officials.

“The treatment and consideration of Iranian pilgrims is evidence of the kingdom’s unwavering regard for all Muslim countries,” he continued, thanking the Iranian ambassador and himself.

He underlined that the hospitality shown during this year’s Hajj season demonstrated the Saudi Arabian and Iranian religious and neighborly connections.

The Saudi Border Guard Has Been Activated to Help Pilgrims
The Director General of the Saudi Border Guards, Major General Shaya Al-Wadaani, inspected the Jadidat Arar crossing in the meantime to supervise the operations assisting Iranian pilgrims in departing.

As part of a concerted effort led by King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s directions to guarantee the comfort and safety of every pilgrim, Maj. Gen. Al-Wadaani examined protocols and service delivery.

“All required resources have been mobilized in coordination with pertinent agencies to ensure a smooth departure for pilgrims and to provide top-level service,” he stated.

An Attitude of Collaboration
After years of hostility, Saudi Arabia and Iran reestablished full diplomatic relations in 2023, and this year’s smooth Hajj operation—especially the peaceful exit of Iranian pilgrims—highlights their expanding bilateral collaboration.

Iranian officials’ praise reflects growing relations and a common goal of ensuring that millions of Muslims around the world have a secure and spiritually satisfying Hajj.