TEHRAN - The bitter war of words between Iran and Saudi Arabia intensified Wednesday ahead of the annual hajj pilgrimage from which Iranians have been excluded for the first time in decades. Iranians have been blocked from the annual pilgrimage to Islam's holiest places in Saudi Arabia, due to start Saturday, after talks on safety and logistical issues fell apart in May. - 'Not Muslims' -Relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia were already at rock bottom before the regional rivals started trading caustic remarks this week. Iran boycotted the hajj for three years between 1988 and 1990 after clashes between Iranian pilgrims and Saudi police in 1987 left around 400 people dead. Saudi Arabia says Tehran made "unacceptable" demands, including the right to organise demonstrations "that would cause chaos".

Source: Bangkok Post September 07, 2016 09:33 UTC