US President Donald Trump reportedly delayed planned military strikes on Iran after Gulf allies warned that action during the annual Haj pilgrimage could destabilise the region, Middle East Eye and CNN reported.
The outlets said leaders from Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates urged Washington to hold off on military action and pursue diplomacy with Tehran while millions of pilgrims arrive in Saudi Arabia. Trump indicated earlier this week that the US had been close to launching new strikes, saying on May 19 that US warships in the region were fully prepared. In a Truth Social post, he said the Gulf leaders had asked him to postpone any action and expressed confidence in diplomatic efforts.
Gulf officials warned that attacks on Iran during Haj could create serious logistical and security problems, Middle East Eye reported. They expressed concern about disruptions to regional air travel and the movement of pilgrims already arriving in Saudi Arabia, and warned that strikes before Eid al-Adha could further damage the US’s standing in the Muslim world. A senior US official with knowledge of the talks confirmed those discussions took place.
CNN said Gulf countries presented “a unified front,” warning that renewed US strikes might prompt Iranian retaliation against neighbouring states, similar to responses after earlier US Israeli actions in February. The report noted the particular sensitivity of the Haj period, with pilgrims continuing to arrive ahead of the pilgrimage’s start on Monday, May 25.
Haj 2026 arrives amid heightened Iran Israel tensions that have raised concerns about regional security and travel. Several airlines have rerouted or suspended flights after airspace restrictions and missile threats affected parts of the region, complicating travel to Saudi Arabia. The US Embassy in Riyadh advised American citizens to reconsider participating in Haj because of the “ongoing security situation and intermittent travel disruptions.” Saudi authorities, however, have continued preparations for the pilgrimage while Gulf states remain on alert.
Haj is one of Islam’s five pillars and a required religious duty for every Muslim who is physically and financially able. Each year millions travel to the holy city of Makkah to perform rites at Islam’s most sacred sites.