Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has reportedly warned Saudi Arabia of "harsh'' measures if it will not promptly repatriate the bodies of Iranian Hajj stampede victims.
At least 769 people were killed and more than 900 injured in the crush at Mina last Sept. 24, Saudi's state-run Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said.
Of this number, at least 464 were Iranian pilgrims, the New York Times said.
NYT said the crush was considered "the deadliest" accident during the pilgrimage. The Iranian toll is "by far the highest, and is the country's single deadliest event since 2005,'' it said.
Iran's official Press TV reported that Khamenei faulted Saudi officials for delaying the return of the Iranian pilgrims' remains and addressing the concerns of the "desperate wounded" [pilgrims].
"The Islamic Republic of Iran has so far showed self-restraint, observed Islamic decency and brotherly respect in the Islamic world," Khamenei said in comments broadcast on Iranian state television. "But they should know that Iran's hand is superior to many others and has more capabilities."
"Saudi Arabia failed to fulfill its duties concerning the desperate wounded ... Should we decide to show any reaction, our reaction will be tough and harsh," he was quoted as saying while speaking at a military academy on Wednesday.
Khamenei, however, did not specify what actions Iran would take, if any.
CNN reported that Saudi Arabia's refusal to allow low cargo plane into the Kingdom to retrieve the Iranian Hajj martyrs contributed to the delay.
Meanwhile, a statement release by Iran's Foreign Ministry said Khamenei had called for the formation of a fact-finding committee of Muslim nations, including Iran, to investigate the disaster, according to CNN.
The Ministry also reportedly summoned the Saudi charge d'affaires on Wednesday, warning against any delay in identifying and repatriating missing and deceased Iranian pilgrims, Iran's state-run Mehr News Agency said.
Asked by reporters on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Saudi Foreign Minister Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir said that the Iranians "should not politically exploit a tragedy," SPA reported Sunday.
"We are going to disclose the truth when it comes out (following the completion of an investigation) and not hide anything. Had a wrongdoing taken place in Hajj, those who were in charge would be fully held responsible," Al-Jubeir said.
