Iran’s first Hajj pilgrims have arrived in Medina, with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah stating that they will spend seven days in the city. According to Arab media, over 30,000 Iranian pilgrims are expected to arrive in Saudi Arabia by land on Sunday, with the Iranian government announcing plans to send 31,000 pilgrims for the Hajj. Iranian officials have stated that the departure of Iranian pilgrims for the Hajj this year was conducted in accordance with the guidance and instructions of Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, has made separate phone calls to the Prime Ministers of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. An academic and a fellow student have been taken into custody for questioning in connection with the investigation into the incident. According to British media, an explosion occurred at a police station in the country, with reports suggesting that a car bomb exploded outside the station, killing at least 10 active-duty military personnel, six of whom were reported killed in April alone. Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, is set to visit Pakistan after a trip to Oman.
In a separate incident, a former Pakistan politician has made a statement in support of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s policies, saying that his thought process is growing stronger within India. The UK’s visit to the US by King Charles III has been affected by the recent shooting incident in Washington. Israel has appointed its first ambassador to Somaliland, which declared its independence from Somalia, following the country’s recognition by Israel a few months prior.
The arrival of pilgrims from around the world, including Pakistan, continues, with over 20,000 pilgrims already arriving in Medina via various flights. The UAE has approved a $1 billion package for industrial development. In a separate incident, a former Malian politician was killed in a raid on his home in the Katia military town in Mali. The UN has warned of the danger of human catastrophe due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
