The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have condemned Iranian attempts to "politicize" the Hajj ritual.

"The GCC countries denounce Iran's stance aiming at politicizing the Hajj ritual through placing hindrances before reaching a final deal organizing the pilgrimage for the Iranian performers in the coming season," Abdul Latif bin Rashid Al Zayani, GCC secretary general, said in a statement on Friday.

The GCC countries call on the Iranian officials to realize that the Hajj ritual is a holy duty for all Muslims and should not be linked with the political stances and disagreements between countries, he added.

On Thursday, Iran announced it would not send pilgrims to Saudi Arabia this year for the annual hajj after its delegation refused to sign a deal on the arrangements for its pilgrims who would join the ritual.

Source: MENA