Saudi Arabia urges Trump to delay Iran strikes until Hajj pilgrimage concludes to prevent travel chaos

Saudi Arabia, representing Gulf Arab nations, has made an urgent diplomatic request to U.S. President Donald Trump, asking him to postpone any potential military strikes against Iran until after the annual Hajj pilgrimage concludes. Regional officials warn that renewed hostilities could create a humanitarian crisis, potentially leaving over 1.5 million international Muslim pilgrims stranded in the region. The appeal comes as tensions remain high following a fragile ceasefire established in April. Trump previously revealed he had a 'very major attack' fully prepared but delayed it after direct calls from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE. Gulf officials fear a second wave of conflict during the six-day Hajj period, beginning May 24, would paralyze major aviation hubs in Doha, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi, disrupting travel for pilgrims primarily from South and East Asia. In February, U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear and missile programs triggered Iranian retaliation with drone and missile attacks across the Gulf, causing weeks of airspace closures and flight cancellations. A repeat of such disruptions would strand hundreds of thousands of pilgrims, according to Gulf leaders. The Pentagon has strike plans ready under a multi-phase air campaign codenamed 'Operation Sledgehammer,' but Trump has agreed to a temporary pause to allow diplomacy to progress. He claims a 60-day truce and a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz are 'largely negotiated,' though hardliners in both Washington and Tehran continue to dispute terms, particularly over Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles. For Saudi Arabia, the priority remains maintaining peace until the Hajj rites are completed. The request highlights the delicate balance between regional security concerns and the religious significance of the pilgrimage.