Hajj pilgrimage begins in Mecca as Iran ceasefire talks continue
More than 1.5 million pilgrims arrived in Saudi Arabia on Monday for the annual Hajj, which starts against a backdrop of a fragile ceasefire between Iran and the United States and Israel. Officials reported higher foreign attendance than last year despite regional uncertainty.
NprMore than 1.5 million pilgrims from outside Saudi Arabia have arrived for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, which officially began Monday in Mecca. Saudi officials said the number of foreign participants exceeds last year's total. The rites opened with pilgrims performing the tawaf, circling the Kaaba seven times at the Grand Mosque, before moving to a vast tent encampment in Mina.
Temperatures are forecast above 40 degrees Celsius for much of the week.
Background of regional tensions The pilgrimage follows a fragile ceasefire reached in April after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran that began February 28 and prompted Iranian retaliatory attacks. The conflict led Tehran to close the Strait of Hormuz, contributing to a global spike in energy prices.
" U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Sunday there had been "slight progress" in talks.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
5 events- Feb 28, 2026
U.S. and Israeli forces struck targets in Iran, prompting Iranian retaliation and closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
3 sourcesNpr · ABC News · al-monitor.com - April 2026
A fragile ceasefire was reached between the parties to the Iran conflict.
3 sourcesNpr · ABC News · al-monitor.com - May 23, 2026
U.S. pilgrims described preparations for Hajj while monitoring regional developments.
1 sourceABC News - May 24, 2026
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reported slight progress in Iran peace talks.
2 sourcesABC News · al-monitor.com - May 25, 2026
More than 1.5 million foreign pilgrims began Hajj rituals in Mecca.
3 sourcesNpr · ABC News · al-monitor.com
Potential Impact
- 01
A reopened Strait of Hormuz would ease pressure on global energy prices.
- 02
Higher fuel prices continue to raise travel costs for pilgrims from India.
- 03
Indonesian authorities are enforcing rules to prevent extra Hajj costs from reaching pilgrims.
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