Iran Calls for Saudi Arabia’s Accountability, Transparency in Mina Tragedy

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araqchi called for Riyadh government’s accountability in the Mina tragic incident, and reiterated that the monarchy should do its best to prevent such tragedies in future.

“The Islamic Republic is not after politicizing this incident (the Mina tragedy), rather it wants an acknowledgement of responsibility and full transparency about the disaster and it wants Saudi Arabia to take the necessary measures to prevent such incidents in the future by accepting its responsibility and acting accordingly,” Araqchi said, addressing a meeting of the foreign minister of the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in New York on Thursday.

Araqchi’s remarks came in reaction to Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir who had criticized politicizing of Mina tragedy.

A stampede during one of the last rituals of the Hajj season on September 24 killed at least 4,173 people and left thousands wounded.

The stampede occurred during the ritual known as “stoning the devil” in the tent city of Mina, about two miles from Mecca.

At least 464 Iranians have lost their lives in the incident, while 150 others have been wounded. The latest reports said 14 Iranian pilgrims are still hospitalized in Saudi Arabia, while others have either died or been treated and left the hospital, preparing to come back to home.