Hajj Stampede Death Toll Rises, Iran Calls for Probe

The death toll in a crush outside the holy city of Mecca on Thursday has risen to 769, Saudi Health Minister Khalid al-Falih said on Saturday.

"The latest statistics up to this hour reveal 769 dead. That is an increase of 52 on the previous figures," Falih told a news conference. "Those are the ones who died in various hospitals since the event," he said, adding that 934 people were wounded.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani used a major United Nations speech on Saturday to demand an investigation into the crush at the hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, signaling Tehran not intend to tone down criticism of its regional rival.

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