Saudi Arabia’s King Salman says “irresponsible comments” and criticism from other countries against the kingdom’s handling of security during the hajj will not affect his country’s oversight of the annual Islamic pilgrimage.

The crush and stampede at the hajj in Saudi Arabia last month was the deadliest event ever to strike the annual pilgrimage, according to a new tally.

Iran’s death toll from the Saudi hajj disaster has nearly doubled to 464 pilgrims killed, state media reported today, a development that is likely to further strain ties between the Middle East arch-rivals.

Iran has blamed rival Saudi Arabia over the disaster at the hajj that killed more than 700 pilgrims, as Muslims solemnly resumed the final rites of the annual pilgrimage.

Muslim pilgrims are continuing with the final rites of hajj a day after more than 700 people died in a stampede.

Saudi Arabia's king has ordered an investigation into safety at the annual Hajj pilgrimage after a stampede left more than 700 people dead.

A stampede killed at least 717 pilgrims and injured hundreds more on the outskirts of the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, the deadliest tragedy to strike the annual hajj pilgrimage in more than two decades.

At least 150 people have been killed in a stampede at the annual hajj pilgrimage, Saudi Arabia’s civil defence directorate said.