With the death toll in Iran’s ongoing protests crossing 2,500, the Indian Embassy in Tehran has advised all Indian nationals to leave the country using available options, including commercial flights. The advisory applies to students, pilgrims, businesspersons and tourists currently in Iran.
The situation in the country has continued to deteriorate, with weeks of protests showing no signs of easing. On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump urged protesters to take over state institutions and asked them not to relent, saying “help is on the way” without elaborating further. Iranian authorities, meanwhile, have accused the US and Israel of fuelling unrest, claiming that “terrorist operatives” are responsible for the violence and deaths.
Against this backdrop, the Indian Embassy has asked citizens to exercise extreme caution, avoid protest sites, remain in constant touch with the mission and closely follow local developments. Indians have also been advised to keep their travel and identification documents readily accessible.
“All Indian nationals in Iran are requested to keep their travel and immigration documents, including passports and IDs, readily available and to contact the Indian Embassy for any assistance,” the advisory said.
It further reiterated that Indian citizens and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) should stay away from demonstrations, remain alert and register with the Embassy if they have not already done so. Emergency helpline numbers and email support have been activated to assist those seeking help.
Separately, the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to initiate immediate evacuation measures for Kashmiri students stranded in Iran, citing the rapidly worsening security situation.
The protests, which began over high inflation and currency devaluation, entered their 20th day on Wednesday and have spread to nearly 280 locations across Iran, leading to violent clashes and a rising death toll.
Amid Trump’s strong rhetoric and speculation over possible US military action, Reuters reported that some personnel were advised to leave the US-run Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar by Wednesday evening as a precautionary measure in response to escalating tensions. Similar steps were taken ahead of US air strikes on Iran in June last year, when personnel were temporarily moved out of American bases in the region.
Iran has also issued warnings to neighbouring countries hosting US troops, saying American military installations would be targeted if Washington continues to intervene amid the ongoing unrest.