Tehran, April 26, IRNA – Iranian officials will make a decision about dispatching pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for major Hajj rituals, head of the Strategic Research Center of Iran's Expediency Council said.

Ali Akbar Velayati made the remarks in response to a question about sending Iranian pilgrims to major Hajj rituals and Saudi behavior towards the issue.

“Undoubtedly, Iranian people, pilgrims and all Muslims have to be fully respected,” Velayati said while talking to reporters on the sidelines of his meeting with visiting Switzerland’s State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Yves Rossier.

Saudi Arabia is legally responsible for the security of pilgrims and should guarantee their health, he said.

On September 24, 2015, over 8,000 pilgrims including 461 Iranians were killed in Mina, Saudi Arabia, due to stampede.

However, Saudi Arabia claims only 770 people were killed in the fatal incident.

Saudi Arabia has come under harsh criticism over its role in and handling of the tragic incident.

About his meeting with Rossier, Velayati said bilateral issues and request for Iran’s help to solve the Syrian crisis were discussed during the meeting.

Iran supports legitimate government in Syria, said he.

Combating terrorists who are leading a war against the Syrian nation and government was also among the important issues on which was conferred during the meeting, said Velayati.

By IRNA