The World - News from May 15, 1989

Iran and Saudi Arabia have broken off efforts to end Tehran’s boycott of the annual Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca, Iranian sources in the Persian Gulf said. Even if contacts resume, it may be impossible to arrange for Iranians to take part in this year’s pilgrimage in July, the sources said. Iran and Saudi Arabia broke diplomatic relations after riots during the 1987 pilgrimage in which Saudi security forces halted an anti-Western demonstration. More than 400 people, mostly Iranian pilgrims, were killed. The Saudis have denied that any direct talks have taken place, but diplomats in the region have reported indirect negotiations.