The repatriation of Iranians killed in the hajj stampede in Saudi Arabia has been delayed until at least Wednesday, officials said, citing administrative problems and difficulties in identifying victims.
With the uproar over the tragedy showing no sign of easing, President Hassan Rouhani arrived back in Tehran on Tuesday having left the UN General Assembly early, after citing Saudi "incompetence" at the hajj, AFP reports.
However the families of those who died in the crush -- 228 Iranian fatalities have been confirmed -- are still waiting for the ceremonial return of their loved ones.
"A plane is supposed to leave for Jeddah tonight (Tuesday) for the transfer of bodies," said Ali Marashi, head of the Iranian Red Crescent's medical center in Tehran, which is organizing the repatriation.
But the task is proving difficult as the toll continues to rise -- beyond the confirmed dead a further 227 Iranians were injured and 246 are missing.