In a statement on Monday, the Iranian spokeswoman described the reports by a few Arab media outlets as “hasty and incorrect”, saying that they are pursuing certain political purposes.
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In 2006, 364 individuals died as a stampede broke out at the foot of Jamarat bridge where pilgrims go to complete one of the rituals of the hajj.
Saudi Prince Khaled al-Faisal earlier sparked controversy by blaming pilgrims with African nationalities for Thursday’s deadly stampede, as HNGN previously reported.
Undeterred Saturday, pilgrims in Mina still flooded the area to perform the stoning for a third time, on the last day of the Haj which in 2015 drew about two million people.
The death toll in a stampede of hajj pilgrims in Saudi Arabia this week has risen to 769, many of whom are Iranians. “We should also task the Saudis to involve the world Muslim Ummah in the planning and implementation of the annual hajj exercise in view of the emerging scenario of complacency on the part of the Saudi authorities”.
Noting that King Salman has ordered an inquiry into the stampede and a review of hajj plans for the future, Jubeir added: “We will reveal the facts when they emerge”.
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council has urged Saudi leaders to “take responsibility” for Thursday’s deaths and state prosecutors have announced they will seek a trial in worldwide courts for the royal family.
At the UN General Assembly, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani used his address to the summit to demand an investigation into the crush.
Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir said that Iran is playing politics over the tragedy which killed many people while performing their most sacred religious duty.
Deputy Director of the Iranian Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization Hamid Mohammadi said a special committee was launched to transfer the dead bodies and the injured people to Iran. However, Iran’s accusations could increase global pressure on the Saudis and heighten tensions between the regional rivals.
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Addressing a press conference, Saudi Health Minister Khalid bin Abdul-Aziz al-Falih said that 934 pilgrims were also injured in the incident.
