World
Iran has just banned all pilgrimmage flights to Saudi Arabia in light of escalating tensions between the two countries, the BBC reports. Saudi Arabia contains the City of Mecca, where all Muslims who can afford to are expected to travel within their lifetimes.
The proximate cause of the flight suspension was an accusation that two Iranian minors were sexually assaulted by Saudi officials at Jeddah Airport in March, ABC News reports. Veracity of the claims is currently unknown. Saudi Arabia and Iran have butt heads in recent months over the rapidly deteriorating situation in Yemen, which they are fighting on opposite sides.
Reuters reports that Iran is now publicly backing the prospect of installing a new government into Sanaa, whereas Saudi Arabia supports the existing power.
