Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Sunday urged Muslims worldwide to take a stand against the US and Israel's "villainy" during the imminent annual Hajj ceremonies.
One of the topics related to the Islamic world is "the issue of al-Quds (Jerusalem) and Aqsa Mosque, which is in focus today," Xinhua news agency quoted Khamenei as saying.
"There is no better place than the holy cities of Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia, to voice Muslims' opinion and stance in support of Palestine and Aqsa Mosque," he said.
He said the US interference in the affairs of Muslim countries and its creation of terrorist groups is another important reason for the Muslims to take stand against these countries during the Hajj ceremonies to be held in late August in the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia.
"The US government is more villain and malicious than the terrorist groups. Muslims should be cognisant about the divisive plots hatched by the enemies," he stressed.
Iran decided to withdraw from sending pilgrims to Hajj ceremony last year, with concerns over the safety of the pilgrims after the deadly stampede in Hajj of 2015, in which more than 450 Iranians died.
After resolving the issues between Tehran and Riyadh, Iran decided to send as many as 86,500 pilgrims to the annual Hajj ceremony this year.
--IANS
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