Overview
- The Hajj began Monday with Saudi officials saying about 1.5 million foreign pilgrims had arrived to begin the rites.
- Pilgrims completed the key Mount Arafat observance on Tuesday under daytime temperatures forecast near 42–47°C, and health teams have treated dozens to low hundreds for heat illnesses.
- Saudi forces deployed air‑defence assets and tight security controls around holy sites and enforced bans on political or sectarian banners to limit tensions and protect worshippers.
- The health response includes more than 50,000 medical staff, roughly 3,000 ambulances, shaded and cooled zones, fans and misting systems and free cold water to reduce heat risk.
- Participation from Iran fell sharply to about 30,000 pilgrims, and the pilgrimage is unfolding while fragile ceasefire talks and US–Iran negotiations continue to shape regional security and diplomatic pressures.