Jordan announced April 18 that it would recall its ambassador to Iran for the second time in four months. “In protest of Iran’s interference in the domestic affairs of Arab countries, [Jordan] has recalled its ambassador for consultations,” said Mohammad al-Momani, Jordan’s minister of state for media affairs and communications. “Iran’s interference has created a crisis and deepening of instability.”
The Jordanians did not allege specific actions by Iran, but the decision seems to be heavily influenced by Amman aligning with Saudi Arabia in its regional rivalry with Iran. The last time Jordan recalled its ambassador was in early January, after Saudi Arabia announced that it would sever all diplomatic relations with Iran after its embassy in Tehran was attacked, following Riyadh's execution of Shiite Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr. Jordan’s announcement this time follows a meeting in Amman between Jordan's King Abdullah II and Mohammed bin Salman, the Saudi deputy crown prince and defense minister.
In addition to facing off in numerous regional conflicts, Iran and Saudi Arabia are also at odds over preparations for the next hajj. On April 18, Iranian Islamic Guidance and Culture Minister Ali Jannati accused Saudi Arabia of “obstructing” the negotiations between the two countries. As an example, Jannati said Riyadh has requested that Iranians apply for visas in a third country, rather than through the Saudi interest section at the Swiss Embassy in Tehran. Jannati called this request “in no way acceptable.” Jannati also said that the Saudis did not want Iran to use its own planes for the transportation of Iranian pilgrims.
In early April, before Jannati's statements, Iranian officials reported that Saudi Arabia had on numerous occasions postponed scheduled trips to begin the preparation process for the logistics of Iranian pilgrims. Jannati said that Iran still hopes that preparations can be made in time for the mandatory pilgrimage, scheduled to begin Sept. 9. Iran had previously suspended nonmandatory pilgrimages after two Iranian boys were molested at the Jeddah airport by Saudi security.
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