Saudi Arabia has released Iranian cleric Gholamreza Qasemi, who was briefly detained while in the kingdom to perform Hajj.
According to Iranian state media, Qasemi has now safely returned to Iran. His arrest had triggered diplomatic concern and public outcry in Tehran.
Qasemi was reportedly detained over a critical social media post directed at Saudi policies. The post allegedly questioned Riyadh’s religious governance, prompting authorities to take action. Iran’s judiciary had strongly condemned the arrest, calling it unjustified, illegal, and politically motivated.