Iran Warns Against Politicizing Holy Sites, Escalating Tensions Amid Mecca Attack Allegations

Iran, through its Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ismail Baqai, called for preventing the politicization of Islamic holy sites, following Saudi air defenses' interception of a drone alleged to be Houthi-launched and targeting Mecca. Baqai stated, in a post on "X", that "any attack on Islamic holy places, especially Mecca, Medina, and Al-Aqsa Mosque, and threatening their visitors and residents, is a condemned act." He added that "the mere claim of intercepting a drone heading to Mecca does not constitute a basis for accusing a specific party, especially since the Yemeni Government of Change and Construction has explicitly denied this claim." The Islamic Republic affirmed the necessity of preventing the politicization and securitization of Islamic holy sites, stressing they should not be used as a tool to incite sedition and escalate regional tensions. Baqai continued that "the region has witnessed several instances of 'false flag' operations, particularly recently, aimed at diverting public attention from the crimes committed by the Zionist entity and the United States, and stirring division among Islamic nations." He concluded his remarks by calling for "caution and vigilance." These statements come after the Saudi-led Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen accused the Houthis on Wednesday of attempting to target Mecca with a drone, which sparked widespread condemnation. The Coalition described the attempt as "hostile and terrorist," noting it was the second attempt to target the city after a previous one in 2017.