Visa issued for Saudis to fly to Iran: FM spokesman

“The Saudis are to only visit the diplomatic buildings here,” Bahram Qasemi told IRNA.

When the Saudi rulers did execute Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr, a Shia Muslim cleric, in January 2016, the mob attack on the Saudi Embassy in Tehran took place while it was condemned by the Iranian officials. After the event, Riyadh did severe relations with Tehran.

About the travel of the Saudi delegation, Qasemi said they want to visit the buildings in Tehran, and Iran is also to visit its buildings in Riyadh.

About such a visit, Qasemi said it will take place by the two sides based on a mutual agreement.

It is a long time that visas for the members of the Saudi delegation have been issued, the spokesman noted adding they postponed their flight due to reasons only relate to themselves.

About the news published by certain media which falsely made a link between the Saudis’ visit and compensation Iran should receive for the loss of lives of about 500 Iranian pilgrims killed in the September 2015 stampede in Mina, Qasemi said their visit is not aimed at holding talks on the issue and the ‘news is baseless’.’

On the time of the travel of the Iranian delegation to Saudi Arabia, Qasemi noted it is unclear.

The members of the Iranian delegation have received their visas through Oman two weeks ago, said the diplomat adding “Wwe granted visa to the Saudi side two months ago”.

Iran has also granted permission to the Saudi delegation for flying to Tehran, concluded the official.