More than 1.5 million foreign pilgrims have begun the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, despite recent tensions sparked by missile and drone attacks from Iran. The attacks, launched in retaliation for air strikes by the United States and Israel, killed two civilians in al-Kharj and a United States service member at a nearby air base. A fragile ceasefire has since taken effect, and Saudi authorities have reinforced air defences around the holy city of Mecca to protect worshippers.

Pilgrims arriving in Mecca expressed hope for peace and relief that they were able to travel after months of uncertainty, disrupted flights and rising costs. Many described fulfilling a lifelong dream of completing one of the central obligations of Islam.

The pilgrimage began in intense heat, with temperatures reaching 45 degrees Celsius, as worshippers performed the ritual circling of the Kaaba at the Grand Mosque. They then moved to Mina and will continue to Mount Arafat for a day of prayer regarded as the spiritual peak of the Hajj.