After filing out of their buses in the central Iraqi town of Ayn Tamr on Tuesday, Iranian pilgrims anxiously sought out internet connections, desperate for word from their loved ones back home.

The more than 400 Iranians had recently completed their hajj pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, and since crossing the border by land into Iraq, they had not received any updates.

One woman dressed in black collapsed in tears after receiving a message informing her that her son was missing after Israeli strikes on Tehran, and that her son-in-law -- an official killed in a bombardment -- had been laid to rest in her absence.

Other women sighed with relief when they finally connected with children and grandchildren via video call.

"We fear for our children," Amna Hammudi said, her voice trembling, before finally managing to reach her........

© Al Monitor