On Saturday evening, multiple explosions were reported on the outskirts of Tehran following an Israeli aerial assault. This attack, a rare direct action on Iranian soil, marks a dangerous escalation in the ongoing shadow war between the two nations. While the full extent of the damage remains unclear, Iranian state media confirmed strikes near key military infrastructure, with reports of heightened air defense activity through the night.
India, which has thousands of students, businesspeople, and expatriates in Iran, responded quickly. The Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement, “The safety and security of Indian nationals, including students studying at Iranian universities, remains our highest priority. We have initiated measures to temporarily relocate Indian citizens from high-risk areas.”
Evacuation Operations Launched
According to government sources, coordinated efforts between Indian missions in Tehran, local authorities, and Air India have led to the successful evacuation of more than 350 Indian nationals in the first phase. Emergency charter flights began early Sunday, with additional flights planned over the next 48 hours.
A senior official close to the operation, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said:
“We are working around the clock with Iranian authorities and our embassy staff. Indian citizens, particularly students in and around Tehran, have been contacted and provided transport to the airport.”
The Indian Embassy in Tehran urged all citizens to remain indoors and register their travel details via an emergency helpline for further assistance. It assured that efforts are being made to ensure safe passage out of the country or relocation to safer regions within Iran where possible.
Students and Families: Voices from the Ground
Among those evacuated was Priya Sharma, a medical student at Tehran University, who described the panic following the explosions:“There were sirens all night and we could hear booms in the distance. We were told to grab our passports and get ready.”
Her father, Arun Sharma, told reporters in Delhi, “We are grateful for the swift response by the authorities. This is every parent’s worst nightmare when your child is studying abroad.”
Reactions from Indian Officials and Global Community
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted on Sunday morning:“Our priority is to ensure the security of every Indian citizen abroad. I commend our officials and embassy staff for their swift action.”
Diplomatic missions of the United States, United Kingdom, and several European Union member states have similarly urged their nationals to depart Iran. The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for restraint, saying, “Any further escalation could destabilize the entire region and put millions at risk.”
Context: Growing Tensions in the Middle East
The latest hostilities follow weeks of tit-for-tat attacks across Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq, with Iran-backed militias and Israeli targets exchanging fire. Analysts say this direct Israeli strike inside Iran represents a significant escalation and could trigger wider conflict. Energy markets reacted sharply, with Brent crude prices jumping 4% overnight amid fears of supply disruptions.
India, heavily reliant on Middle Eastern oil and maintaining relationships with both Israel and Iran, is walking a delicate diplomatic tightrope. While it condemns terrorism in all forms, it continues to urge dialogue and de-escalation through back-channel diplomacy.
What’s Next for Indian Nationals in Iran?
The Ministry of External Affairs has set up a round-the-clock control room in New Delhi and is advising all Indian nationals in Iran to stay in touch with the embassy, avoid large gatherings, and monitor official advisories.
Officials estimate that over 1,200 Indians, mainly students, remain in Iran, primarily in Tehran, Mashhad, and Isfahan. The evacuation process is expected to continue until the security situation stabilizes. The government has not yet issued a formal advisory for a complete withdrawal of all citizens, but sources indicate that contingency plans are being updated daily.
