MEA prepares to facilitate safe return of Indian nationals from Iran amid unrest; embassy urges citizens to register and exercise caution.

The Ministry of External Affairs is taking steps to make it easier for Indian nationals in Iran to return to India, considering the changing circumstances in the country. The Indian Embassy had initiated an evacuation process, which has now been temporarily put on hold. The earlier decision to evacuate was made purely as a precaution due to concerns over potential conflict. However, according to Nasir Khuehami, National Convenor of the J&K Students Association, official assurances indicate that there is currently no threat of war or escalation, making evacuation unnecessary at this time.

He went on to say that Embassy representatives have direct communication with the students and will visit them and notify them via official channels if an evacuation is required.

Seyed Abbas Araghchi, the Iranian Foreign Minister, called External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar  to discuss the situation in and surrounding Iran.

In a different statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) cautioned Indians against visiting Iran. The foreign ministry estimates that there are about 10,000 Indian nationals living in Iran.

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In the midst of rising regional tensions brought on by US President Donald Trump’s threats of military action if Iran continues to violently suppress protests across the country, India issued its travel advisory. Following an unprecedented decline in the value of the Iranian rial, protests broke out in Tehran late last month and have now expanded to all 31 provinces. What started out as protests over economic suffering have evolved into more general calls for political change.

Trump has warned “very strong action” if Iranian officials continue to execute demonstrators, which may include widespread airstrikes. The Iranian leadership has responded by declaring the nation “ready for war” and vowing to attack US military installations across the region if attacked.