More than 1.5m foreign pilgrims begin Hajj despite Iran war fears

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Updated 25.5.2026

Key Topics & People

Haj *Saudi Arabia Hajj Saleh bin Saad Al-Murabba Islam

Coverage Framing

Conflict(1)

Human Interest(1)

Avg Factuality:70%

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Story Timeline

May 25 Evening

1 articles|1 sources

hajj pilgrimageiran warsaudi arabiaforeign pilgrimsus

Conflict(1)

BBC News - WorldMay 25

More than 1.5m foreign pilgrims begin Hajj despite Iran war fears

Over 1.51 million foreign pilgrims have commenced the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, an increase of 11,000 from the previous year. This significant gathering is taking place amidst regional tensions stemming from the conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran. Saudi authorities have deployed air defence systems around Mecca to ensure the safety of pilgrims, following past Iranian missile and drone attacks that resulted in civilian and military casualties. Pilgrims have expressed hopes for a peace agreement between the US and Iran.

MeasuredFactual3 sources

Neutral

Key Claims

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More than 1.51 million foreign pilgrims have arrived for the Hajj pilgrimage.

— Saudi authorities

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The number of pilgrims is 11,000 more than last year.

— Saudi authorities

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Iran launched missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia and its Gulf neighbors.

— null

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Two civilians and a US service member were killed in an Iranian attack on March 8.

— null

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Saudi defence ministry posted a video showing air defence batteries near Mecca.

— Saudi defence ministry

May 25 Morning

1 articles|1 sources

haj pilgrimageislammiddle east tensionssaudi arabiapilgrims

Human Interest(1)

South China Morning PostMay 25

Muslims begin haj in sweltering heat and shadow of Middle East tensions

The annual haj pilgrimage, a fundamental pillar of Islam, commenced on Monday in Saudi Arabia. Over 1.5 million pilgrims have arrived from abroad for the event. The faithful are undertaking the pilgrimage amidst regional tensions and uncertainty, including a fragile ceasefire in the Iran war. The haj is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for Muslims who are financially and physically able to participate. An Egyptian pilgrim expressed gratitude for being able to attend.

MeasuredFactual1 source

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Key Claims

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The annual haj pilgrimage officially began on Monday.

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More than 1.5 million pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia from outside the country.

— Saleh bin Saad Al-Murabba, commander of the haj passport forces

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The haj is required once in a lifetime of every Muslim who can afford it and physically able to make it.

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Egyptian pilgrim Samya Abdul Moneim said she was grateful to God that she made it to the haj.

— Samya Abdul Moneim

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The faithful have been pouring into the country against the backdrop of a tenuous ceasefire in the Iran war and related regional tensions and uncertainty.