Jannati: All Perpetrators of the Attack on the Saudi Embassy are in Prison

Ali Jannati, the Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance, stated on Friday, April 29, that the attack on the Saudi embassy was condemned by all system officials and that the 'rogue elements' responsible for the attack have been arrested and are currently in prison. According to Fars News Agency, Jannati, speaking at the closing ceremony of the sixth International Persian Gulf Festival in Bandar Abbas, said, 'We seek a reasonable, humble relationship based on cooperation with regional countries, and the excuses they make have become worn out. For example, they mention the attack on the Saudi embassy in Tehran, where all the perpetrators have been arrested and are in prison, facing their punishment.' He further stated, 'The Islamic Republic of Iran believes in taking action against those who want to create tension unilaterally.' Following the execution of a prominent Shia cleric in Saudi Arabia last December, protests were held outside the Saudi embassy and consulate in Tehran and Mashhad. Ultimately, some protesters attacked the embassy and consulate, setting parts of them on fire. After this attack, Saudi Arabia severed diplomatic relations with Iran. Iranian judicial authorities reported the arrest of a cleric named Hassan Kord Mihan after the incident. Concurrently, Iranian media reported on the arrest of Kord Mihan, with Gholamhossein Mohseni Eje'i, the spokesperson for the Iranian judiciary, stating without naming him that the arrested individual was not only involved in this incident but had also 'given some orders.' On April 11, Mohseni Eje'i announced that the cases of 'several individuals' related to the attack on the Saudi embassy were under review in the Special Clerical Court. The spokesperson did not provide details about the identities of these individuals but emphasized that an indictment had been issued for 48 people in this case. Jannati also addressed the issue of Iranian pilgrims traveling to Hajj, stating, 'In the matter of Hajj, which is a divine obligation, the Saudi government, which is responsible for providing and creating conditions for Hajj, is obstructing this process, and despite all efforts, we have not witnessed cooperation from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and we hope they will cooperate in the remaining time.' Saeed Ohadi, the head of Iran's Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization, stated on April 25 that Saudi Arabia has not yet provided a clear response regarding the issuance of visas for Iranian pilgrims, and the holding of Hajj remains uncertain. According to ISNA, Mr. Ohadi mentioned that Saudi Arabia is expected to announce its final decision regarding the issuance of visas for Iranian pilgrims by the end of this week. Following the attack on the Saudi embassy in Tehran last December, Saudi Arabia cut its relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran. Subsequently, Saudi Arabia announced that the Swiss embassy in Tehran would provide consular services related to the entry of Hajj pilgrims to Saudi Arabia. The head of Iran's Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization also clarified that Saudi officials have placed conditions on Iran's cultural programs during the Hajj, including 'slogans.'