The United States’ sudden bomb strikes on Iranian nuclear sites has stirred up anxiety among Mumbai-based pilgrims and tour operators who had been making arrangements for months to facilitate trips to Iran and Iraq for Muharram — expected to begin on June 27 — and Ashura, the tenth day of the sacred month, when the martyrdom of prophet Muhammad’s grandson Imam Hussain is commemorated.

Ali Sayed, 27, an event management professional from Bandra, said, “I have been visiting Iran and Karbala in Iraq during Muharram since 2022. This year, too, I and over a dozen friends wanted to visit. I had submitted my documents for my visa in May, and my tickets and visa have been issued. Ever since the tensions between Iran and Israel began, my friends and I have been closely keeping track of the situation through news organisations, hoping things will ease. After the US’s attacks, we are worried. My tickets are booked for the night of June 26, and everything is ready from my end. I hope this conflict ends soon.”

Operators’ woes