Overview
- The multi‑day Hajj opened on Monday with Saudi authorities reporting more than 1.5 million pilgrims in Mecca and roughly two million expected in total.
- Saudi Arabia released footage of air‑defence batteries positioned near the holy sites and officials said pilgrim safety is the highest priority in security and traffic plans.
- The US Embassy in Riyadh advised American citizens not to attend because of the fragile ceasefire in the Iran‑related conflict that has seen attacks on Gulf states.
- Forecasters warned of extreme heat with daytime temperatures into the mid‑40s Celsius, prompting health warnings, cooling measures and calls for pilgrims to drink water and rest.
- Saudi visa rules allowed international participation this year, including about 30,000 Iranian pilgrims, and authorities are balancing tight logistics with the Hajj’s large economic and social importance.