Iran's foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, wished a blessed Ramadhan for the entire region on Thursday.

Zarif , in his tweet on the first day of the holy fasting month of Ramadhan , said:  "Ramadhan is a time of reflection and  self-examination. Our troubled region faces a crucial crossroad: to continue on destructive path of enmity and hatred pursued by men who aspire to dominate; or to set aside egos and join hands to build a strong Ummah."

He added:  "Wishing all a blessed Ramadan."

Most Muslim countries began the holy month of Ramadhan in the dawn of Thursday 17 May.

Ramadhan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar that is observed by the Muslims worldwide by abstaining from certain acts, mainly eating and drinking.