Iran's 'Media Group of Six' Expelled from Saudi Arabia After a Week of Detention

The Islamic Republic's state news agency reported that six individuals, referred to as 'members of Iran's media group' in Medina, were expelled by Saudi Arabia. According to the report published on Wednesday, June 9, the group was expelled on Tuesday night 'without performing the Hajj'. The news agency states that this 'media' group, which includes 'six journalists and documentarians', was arrested last Tuesday while recording a recitation of the Holy Quran at the Prophet's Mosque and was transferred to the Medina central police station after several hours of interrogation without any stated reason. Although this group was detained for a week, Iranian state media did not publish any news regarding the incident. The expulsion of the media group occurred while 'follow-ups' by the Foreign Ministry and the representative of the Supreme Leader for Hajj and Pilgrimage, as well as the head of Iranian pilgrims and the Iranian ambassador in Saudi Arabia, were ongoing for their release. In a video report broadcasted by the Islamic Republic's state television, Peyman Jabali, the head of this organization, was shown welcoming the expelled individuals at Imam Airport. He stated in an interview with Iranian state television that 'we are also unaware of the reasons for their detention and return to Iran' and added that 'this issue will be pursued legally.' The Associated Press also reported that Saudi officials have not yet confirmed this news and did not respond to the news agency's request on Wednesday, June 9. Ali Khamenei, the leader of the Islamic Republic, called for the politicization of this year's Hajj by Iranian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia on April 6, stating that for him, 'this year's Hajj is the Hajj of disavowal.' He made this request during a meeting with Hajj officials while the organization of government gatherings by the Islamic Republic during the Hajj, known as 'disavowal of polytheists', has historically caused tensions between Tehran and Riyadh over the decades. The Islamic Republic has had ongoing disputes with the Saudi government for over four decades due to the differing approaches of the two countries regarding regional issues. Relations between the two countries were severed following the attack by hardline supporters of the Islamic Republic on the Saudi embassy and consulate in Tehran and Mashhad on January 1, 2016. However, the two countries resumed their relations in March 2023 with the mediation of China.