More than 1.5 million Muslims began filling the vast tent city of Mina near Mecca on Monday (May 25) as the annual Haj pilgrimage opened against the backdrop of hopes for an end to the war in the Middle East.
White-robed pilgrims arrived in waves at the encampment, on foot and by bus, after performing the “tawaf” — circling the Kaaba, the black cube at the centre of Mecca’s Grand Mosque, seven times. Temperatures hit 45°C, prompting Saudi health authorities to urge worshippers to carry umbrellas and limit sun exposure to avoid heat exhaustion.
This year’s rites follow waves of Iranian attacks on targets in Saudi Arabia and its Gulf neighbours, and the kingdom signalled its readiness. A video posted by the Saudi defence ministry showed advanced air defence batteries positioned on the outskirts of Mecca to protect “the skies over the holy sites.” Saudi officials said more pilgrims had travelled from abroad this year than in 2025, despite the conflict.
The pilgrimage opened as US President Donald Trump continued to send mixed signals over a deal to extend the uneasy ceasefire with Iran and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. “The deal with Iran will either be a great and meaningful one, or there will be no deal,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. The Iran agreement is “largely negotiated” but not signed, while the first tankers have begun exiting Hormuz.
The Haj climaxes on Tuesday with the gathering at Mount Arafat. Sri Lanka’s 3,500-strong pilgrim contingent began departing on May 1 and arrived in Jeddah days later. Eid al-Adha falls on May 28 at the close of the rites.
