The first group of 200 pilgrims arrived at Prince Muhammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah, welcomed by Iranian and Saudi officials.

They departed from Imam Khomeini airport in Tehran, with Saudi Ambassador Al-Enezi present for the send-off.

This follows a diplomatic agreement last year between Iran and Saudi Arabia to restore ties and reopen embassies.

Iranian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Enayati spoke to reporters in Madinah, expressing gratitude for easier entry procedures for Iranian pilgrims.

He described the resumption of Umrah trips after a nine-year gap as a blessed step towards improving Iranian-Saudi relations.

The diplomatic relations between the two countries were reinstated in March 2023 under China's aegis, and Umrah flights will continue until the Hajj season begins.

The official farewell ceremony for Umrah pilgrims from Iran took place at Imam Khomeini International Airport.

The event was attended by Abdel Fattah Nawab, Abbas Hosseini, and the Saudi Ambassador Abdullah Al-Enezi.

Iran will transport Umrah pilgrims to Saudi Arabia from 11 airports, starting from Monday, with a total of 22 flights and approximately 260 pilgrims per flight.

Umrah had been off-limits for Iranians until now, despite their being allowed back for the Hajj pilgrimage last year.

Previous expectations for Iranian Umrah pilgrims to arrive in Saudi Arabia were in December 2023, but technical difficulties caused repeated delays.

In March 2023, Iran and Saudi Arabia restored diplomatic relations through a China-brokered deal, ending a seven-year rift that began in 2016.

This significant development came after Iran stopped sending Umrah pilgrims to Saudi Arabia in 2015, one year prior to the diplomatic rupture.