Over 1.5 million pilgrims have gathered in Saudi Arabia for the annual Hajj, one of Islam's five pillars. The pilgrimage takes place against the backdrop of a fragile ceasefire in the Iran war and ongoing regional instability.

More than 1.5 million pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, against the backdrop of a tenuous ceasefire in the Iran war and related regional tensions. <img alt="A Muslim pilgrim reacts as a volunteer sprays water to cool them outside the Grand Mosque during the annual hajj pilgrimage at the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, May 24, 2026." src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/8125x5417+0+0/resiz...