‘I will come whichever way I can’: Western pilgrims defy Middle East tensions to perform Haj

Pilgrims from West flock to hajj despite Mideast war

Over a million pilgrims, including Westerners ignoring US and allied government travel advisories, are attending hajj in Mecca under a fragile ceasefire following February's US-Israel strikes on Iran. Stalled US-Iran negotiations and the threat of renewed strikes maintain elevated Gulf risk — a live variable for energy-exposed supply chains and regional business continuity planning.