It sounds like a religious manifesto carefully curated: "small and petty devils," "unbelievers and without conscience," "misguided" and "blackened," "instigators" and "ignorant of God," "tyrants" and "accursed evil tree." These are some of the expressions used by the leader of Iran to describe the Saudi rulers. Although the response from the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia was brief, it struck at the heart of the beliefs of the Iranian regime and its followers: Iranians are not Muslims at all; they are "Magi." With the arrival of the Hajj season, from which Iranian believers are this time deprived, there are fewer days when Tehran and Riyadh do not launch sharp verbal attacks against each other.
❓ Unknown
"Accursed Evil" Against "Unbelieving Magi"
Jan 29, 2026
January 29, 2026
1 min read
📰 Radio Farda
📋 Key Takeaway
The Iranian leader has used harsh religious language to describe Saudi rulers, while the Saudi Grand Mufti has labeled Iranians as non-Muslims. This exchange highlights the ongoing tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia, particularly as Iranian pilgrims are excluded from the Hajj this year.
🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line:
The exchange highlights deep-rooted sectarian tensions and the ongoing rivalry between Iran and Saudi Arabia, especially during a significant religious period.
👥 Key Players
Supreme Leader of Iran
MENTIONED
Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran
"The Supreme Leader holds ultimate authority in Iran and influences its foreign and domestic policies."
Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia
MENTIONED
Senior Islamic scholar and religious authority in Saudi Arabia
"As a prominent religious figure, the Grand Mufti's statements reflect the official stance of Saudi Arabia on religious and political matters."
📰 What Happened
The Supreme Leader of Iran issued a harsh critique of Saudi rulers using religious language, while the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia responded by labeling Iranians as non-Muslims. This exchange escalates the ongoing tensions between the two nations, particularly during the Hajj season.
- The Iranian leader referred to Saudi rulers using derogatory religious terms.
- The Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia called Iranians 'Magi,' denying their Muslim identity.
💡 Why It Matters
🇮🇷 For Iran: This rhetoric reinforces the Iranian regime's narrative of opposition to Saudi Arabia and strengthens internal solidarity among its followers.
🌍 Regional: The escalating verbal attacks could exacerbate sectarian tensions and impact diplomatic relations in the Middle East.
🌐 International: The ongoing conflict between Iran and Saudi Arabia has implications for global oil markets and international security dynamics.
📚 Background
Iran and Saudi Arabia represent two major branches of Islam—Shia and Sunni, respectively—leading to historical and ongoing conflicts. The Hajj pilgrimage is a critical religious event for Muslims worldwide.
Iran-Saudi relations
Sectarianism in the Middle East
📡 Source:
STATE MEDIA
📊 Confidence:
70%
The article reflects the official narrative of the Iranian regime, which may emphasize anti-Saudi sentiments.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
🌐
Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 85%
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