Saudi Arabia Offers Unexpected Support to Iran Amidst Ongoing Iran-Israel War

In an unexpected move, Saudi King Salman has promised that Iranian pilgrims who were visiting the kingdom for the Hajj 2025 pilgrimage will not be forcibly expelled from the country after their Hajj permit expires. The monarch has instructed officials to arrange proper accommodations and food for these pilgrims until peace returns to Iran.

King Salman made this announcement in a bid to maintain the sanctity of Hajj 2025 pilgrims, who are being affected by the current tensions between Iran and Israel. According to sources, Saudi Arabia's Prime Minister and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had prepared the proposal to help out Iranian pilgrims, which was later accepted by King Salman.

Over 80,000 Iranian citizens visited Saudi Arabia for the Hajj 2025 pilgrimage, with many having returned home before the recent hostilities broke out between Iran and Israel. However, a significant portion stayed behind to perform Umrah and other purposes. The Saudi kingdom's gesture has been seen as an attempt to appease the global Muslim community and provide support to its ally Iran during this sensitive time.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has spoken to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman over the phone, seeking his help in brokering a peace deal between Iran and Israel to end the ongoing conflict. The conversation comes amid fears of an escalation into a full-scale war between Iran and Israel.

The situation escalated on Thursday when Israel launched its most aggressive attack on Iranian targets, including Tehran, under Operation Rising Lion. According to reports, several top Iranian nuclear scientists and military commanders were among those killed in the attacks.

Iran vowed to retaliate against Israel's attacks, stating that its response would be "anything beyond what Israel and its ally, the United States, could ever imagine". Since then, Iran has launched a barrage of missiles and drones at Israeli cities and population centers, including Tel Aviv. The situation remains volatile, with multiple rounds of airstrikes exchanged by both sides.

The unexpected support from Saudi Arabia for Iran comes as a surprise to many, given their long-standing differences on key regional issues. However, the move is seen as an attempt to maintain stability in the region and provide humanitarian support during this critical moment.