Iran Prepared for Different Scenarios on Hajj Pilgrimage: Official
Rashidian made the remarks in a Monday meeting of the Council for Planning and Coordination of the Leader’s Hajj and Pilgrimage Office with the Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization.
He referred to the latest reports on Hajj 2022 and recent meetings between the Saudi Hajj minister and officials from several Muslim countries, and said the Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization is planning and pursuing efforts to make sure that Iranians can perform this religious duty.
He noted that given the conditions caused by the coronavirus pandemic, there could be different scenarios playing out regarding Hajj, and the organization is ready to act accordingly.
Earlier this year, Rashidian had predicted that the conditions will be prepared for the dispatch of Iranian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Umrah and Hajj next year.
Elsewhere in the Monday meeting, the Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization chief said sending Iranian pilgrims to Syria will resume in a few days.
He noted that after several years, the first batch of pilgrims will leave for the Arab country next week.
It comes after the Syrian side announced its approval to the Iranian political mission in Damascus, Rashidian said.
Earlier this month, he had said that some 100,000 Iranian pilgrims can visit holy sites of Syria within the next year.
The trips will be made via air and registration for those willing to go to Syria on pilgrimage will begin as soon as deals on accommodation, transportation, food, and other facilities are finalized, he said.
The holy shrine of Hazrat Zaynab (SA) in Damascus is the most important religious site for Shia pilgrims who visit Syria.
Religious tours to the country were suspended years ago due to security concerns.
