Iranian envoy summoned over 33 poisoned pilgrims

Saudi Arabia has summoned the Iranian envoy over the death and health complications of some Saudis pilgrims in Iran.

The Arab nation confirmed the summon in Riyadh on Wednesday, June 10.

The pilgrims were in Iran to join millions of Iranians and other foreign pilgrims who go to Iran's northwestern city of Mashhad annually on a visit to a renowned Shiite Muslim shrine.

Saudi leadership called on the envoy to prevail on his home government to ensure the safety of Saudis in Iran.

Iran's official news agency, IRNA, reported earlier on Monday, June 8, that a total of 33 Saudi pilgrims were poisoned.

It said those poisoned include three three-year-old boys and a 14 year-old girl who died in a hospital in the religious city of Mashhad.

The report quoted the Head of the Iranian Food and Medicine Organisation, Rassoul Dinarvand, as saying the pilgrims were poisoned by vapour from a substance used as pesticide in the hotel.He said five people have been arrested over the incident.

It quoted Dinarvand saying that further investigation is underway to determine whether its use was "deliberate" or not.

Saudi Arabia and Iran have issues over regional matters, mainly the situation in Syria and Yemen.

Saudi Arabia also deems Iran's nuclear activities as a threat to the stability of the region.