For the first time in a decade, Saudi Arabian budget airline Flynas has resumed direct flights for Hajj pilgrims from Iran this year, marking another step in warming relations between the two former rivals.
The air routes from Tehran and Mashhad to Jeddah have made the journey to Mecca more convenient for around 35,000 Iranian pilgrims, the highest number since China mediated a 2023 diplomatic thaw between the two following 7 years of frozen ties.
"Understanding and peace between the two countries can definitely provide a better mood for the Iranian pilgrims," said Fatemeh, an Iranian pilgrim waiting to board a flight at Tehran airport.
The resumption of hajj flights has raised hopes of more frequent and regular direct air links between the two nations.
"Another Saudi airline has recently visited our facilities and they said they were willing to run daily direct flights even out of Hajj season from Tehran to Saudi Arabia," said Moein Tayefeh, an official at the Tehran airport hall that services pilgrims.
"Better ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia will have positive and constructive consequences, in particular the relations between the two nations. When we go there for Hajj, they welcome the pilgrims. It means a lot to us when we are flying with a Saudi flight," said Hassan, another pilgrim at the airport
Resumption of Hajj flights after a decade shows warming Iran-Saudi Arabia ties
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
