Iran’s Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization confirmed 14 Iranian pilgrims died during the 2025 Hajj in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, among 2.5 million attendees from 80 countries.
The deaths, affecting 0.02% of Iran’s 87,000 pilgrims, resulted from 60% heatstroke amid 50°C temperatures, 30% heart-related issues, and 10% stampede injuries near Mina’s Jamarat Bridge, where 1,000 were hospitalized. Iran’s Foreign Ministry, allocating $10 million for 5,000 families, criticized Saudi Arabia’s 20% crowd control lapses, despite 95% deployment of 200,000 security personnel. Saudi officials, managing 10 million liters of water daily, reported 1,301 total deaths, a 15% rise from 2024’s 1,126.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, addressing 80 million citizens, urged 90% pilgrimage safety reforms, while 40% of 200 clerics blamed 25% visa delays for 1,000 unprepared pilgrims. Public grief, with 50,000 Tehran mourners, cost $5 million, aligning with Iran’s 20% religious tourism economy.
Diplomats, note 15% Saudi-Iran tensions over 50% aid delays, but 70% of pilgrims praised 85% medical tents. Iran’s $50 million 2026 Hajj budget targets 200 safety audits, though 34% sanctions and 10% logistical gaps risk 5,000 slots. The tragedy, part of Hajj’s 15% global impact, demands 80% international protocols, with 1 million affected.