(VOVworld) – Iran’s Culture Minister Ali Jannati said Sunday that Iranian pilgrims will be unable to make their annual pilgrimage to the Islamic holy site of Mecca because of “obstacles” raised by Saudi Arabia. 

A Muslim pilgrim prays at the holy site of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. (Photo: AFP/VNA)

Last Friday an Iranian delegation concluded a visit to Saudi Arabia without reaching a final agreement on arrangements for Iranian hajj pilgrims to make the trip in September.

The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Saudi Arabia’s obstacles stem from fundamental issues relating to safety and visas. Iran accused Saudi Arabia of pursuing policies to escalate regional tensions. Saudi Arabia accused Iran of politicizing the pilgrimage.