Iran Suspends Hajj Return Flights After Israeli Strikes, Extends Pilgrims’ Stay

IQNA – Iran’s Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization announced on Friday that all return flights for Iranian pilgrims have been suspended until further notice due to the nationwide grounding of air traffic following a series of Israeli airstrikes across the country.

According to the organization, the emergency situation created by the closure of Iranian airspace has halted scheduled operations to repatriate pilgrims currently in Saudi Arabia. As a result, arrangements are being made to extend the accommodation of Iranian pilgrims in their hotels in Mecca and Medina.

“Return operations for pilgrims will not proceed today due to the suspension of flights,” the organization said in a statement. “Necessary information regarding the resumption of flights will be communicated following announcements from relevant authorities.”

The announcement comes after the Israeli regime launched overnight attacks on multiple Iranian provinces, including the capital, Tehran. Explosions were reported in various cities, with videos and photos on social media showing widespread damage and emergency services responding at the scene. Official casualty figures have not yet been released, but concerns are mounting over the possibility of significant civilian harm.

Among those assasinated in the attacks are high-ranking Iranian military officials, including Major General Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of Staff of Iran’s Armed Forces, and Major General Hossein Salami, Chief Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Reports also indicate that military and nuclear facilities, including the Natanz nuclear site, were targeted in the strikes.

In response to the attacks, Iran closed its airspace, grounding both domestic and international flights.

More than 1.6 million Muslims from around the world, including thousands from Iran, participated in this year’s Hajj pilgrimage, which concluded just days ago.

4288176