Tehran has urged against the politicization of Islamic holy sites, following the Saudi air defenses' interception of a Houthi drone reportedly targeting Mecca. Esmaeil Baqaei, the spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated via the "X" platform that
any aggression against Islamic holy places—including Mecca, Medina, and Al-Aqsa Mosque—or threats to their visitors and residents, is unequivocally condemned. Baqaei further remarked that the mere claim of a drone interception en route to Mecca is insufficient grounds to accuse a
specific party. He highlighted that the "Change and Building Government in Yemen" has explicitly denied this allegation, firmly rejecting it. The Islamic Republic of Iran emphasized the imperative to prevent the exploitation of Islamic holy sites for political or security agendas,
warning against their use to incite discord and escalate regional tensions. Baqaei clarified that the region has recently experienced numerous "false flag" operations designed to divert public attention from crimes committed by the "Zionist entity" and the United States, thereby
deepening divisions among Muslim nations. The Iranian spokesperson concluded by calling for heightened caution and vigilance. This statement comes after the Saudi-led Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen accused the Houthis of attempting to target Mecca with a drone last Wednesday. This
incident triggered widespread condemnation across Islamic and international communities. The Coalition labeled the attempt "hostile and terrorist," asserting it was the second such attempt on Mecca, after a similar event in 2017.
