India Urges Citizens to Temporarily Leave Iran as Tensions Mount
The Indian Embassy in Iran issued a revised travel advisory on Sunday, urging Indian nationals to postpone travel to the country and advising those already in Iran to consider leaving temporarily via available commercial flights. The advisory cited a rise in instability and conflict in the region amid escalating hostilities between the United States and Iran.
The embassy stated, 'The recent days have seen an increase in levels of instability and conflict in Iran,' and recommended that Indians planning to visit Iran for any purpose postpone their travel until the security situation improves. For those who choose to remain, the embassy advised exercising the highest level of caution, monitoring local news, and avoiding areas with heightened military activity, particularly along Iran's southern coast.
Indian nationals currently in Iran were asked to register with the mission immediately if they had not done so, and to follow official updates from the embassy's website and social media channels.
The advisory comes as the US and Iran exchanged strikes over the weekend. According to Iranian authorities, the US struck the under-construction Darkhovin nuclear power plant and other military targets. The US Central Command said it targeted Iranian coastal surveillance systems, air defences, maritime assets, and missile and drone facilities. Iran retaliated with drone attacks against two US military installations in Kuwait and claimed to have intercepted a US drone over Ahvaz. The IRGC stated it retained control of the Strait of Hormuz.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) investigated the reported attack on the Darkhovin facility and confirmed that it contained no nuclear material during its last inspection. The IAEA said there was no radiological risk but urged military restraint around nuclear sites.
The escalation has raised international concern as the conflict in the Middle East approaches five months.
