Iran warns against targeting Mecca, dismisses drone interception claims

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Baghaei has stated that any attack targeting the holy city of Mecca must be condemned. Responding to reports of a drone interception, Baghaei characterized the claims of a drone being intercepted in Mecca's airspace as “mere allegations” that cannot serve as a basis for accusing any specific party.

Baghaei warned of “false flag” operations in the region, suggesting such tactics are used to divert public attention from the actions of the United States and Israel and to incite division among Islamic nations. He noted that the Houthi movement in Yemen has explicitly denied involvement in any drone activity directed toward Mecca.

This diplomatic tension follows an announcement by Saudi authorities on Tuesday that they intercepted and destroyed a drone south of Mecca before it could enter the city's restricted airspace. The incident occurs amid increased regional military escalation and recent missile and drone attacks attributed to the Houthis.