Hajj pilgrims press on despite Iran war uncertainty

For years, Shahid Ali and his wife quietly saved money in a small tin box tucked away in their East London home.

The couple cut back on luxuries, postponed renovations and skipped holidays for one reason: to perform Hajj together before they grow too old.

But after Israel and the United States began their war on Iran, what should have been a moment of anticipation became clouded by doubt and anxiety.

"My children asked us to reconsider, but we have waited our lives for this," Ali told Middle East Eye from his home.

"There was a lot of uncertainty because flights were cancelled en masse, but no change has been made and it looks like we are going."