Accusations of negligence and rumors of sabotage abound over who is responsible for the hajj stampede Sept. 23 that killed hundreds and injured nearly 1,000 in the Mina district of Mecca.
Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei promised a harsh and violent response to Saudi Arabia in the event that Iranian pilgrims were subjected to any abuse or disrespect during the hajj, or if the bodies of Iranian victims of the Mina disaster are not returned. He spoke Sept. 30 at the Naval Academy graduation ceremony in Noshahr.