Iran Starts Returning Pilgrims from Makkah and Madina
About 9,000 Iranian pilgrims begin departure from Saudi Arabia through Iraq border crossings.
- Publish date: Tuesday، 03 March 2026 Reading time: 1 min read
Iran has begun the process of returning its citizens currently performing pilgrimage in Mecca and Medina, according to state media reports on Tuesday.
The move affects approximately 9,000 Iranian pilgrims who are presently in the two holy Saudi cities. The return process started on Monday, as confirmed by Alireza Enayati, Iran’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia.
In a report published by Mizan News Agency, Enayati said that pilgrims are leaving Saudi Arabia through the Saudi–Iraqi border crossings, following a travel arrangement similar to the evacuation and return procedures used during the 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel in 2025.
Authorities stated that the operation is being carried out in an organised manner to ensure the safe and gradual departure of pilgrims. Transport arrangements are being coordinated to move Iranian nationals from Saudi territory into Iraq before onward travel to Iran.
The pilgrimage return process comes as part of routine post-Hajj travel management, although the geopolitical backdrop in the region remains tense.
Officials have not reported any disruptions to pilgrimage activities prior to the departure plan.
Iranian authorities have urged pilgrims to follow official instructions and avoid independent travel until their return routes are fully completed.