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The Indian Embassy in Iran has released a travel advisory asking Indian citizens to stay away from all non-essential trips to the nation as tensions rise in the area.
"In view of recent security-related incidents, Indian nationals are asked to carefully consider the emerging situation prior to undertaking any non-essential travel to Iran," the embassy said in a X (formerly Twitter) post. It also asked citizens to closely follow regional developments and follow advisories issued by Indian authorities.
For Indians already in Iran and who want to go back home, the embassy confirmed that there are still options for them. "Indian nationals already in Iran and interested in leaving can make use of available commercial ferry and flight services," the statement added.
The warning is set against the context of intensified hostilities in the area after Israel initiated 'Operation Rising Lion' on June 13 targeting Iranian military and nuclear installations. Iran retaliated by conducting a chain of missile and drone attacks against Israeli targets. The United States, proclaiming its solidarity with Israel, initiated counter-attacks on Iran's principal nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan on June 22.
Iran's military responded with precision strikes on Israeli-held lands and a U.S. military base in Qatar. The brutal 12-day war ended on June 24, with Israel declaring a unilateral end to hostilities, a step announced by U.S. President Donald Trump.
The recent escalation has revived international fears of Iran's pursuit of nuclear power. While Washington insists that Iran's uranium enrichment program is likely to result in the creation of nuclear weapons, Tehran has denied this all along, maintaining that the program is civilian-only.
The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which was signed in July 2015 between Iran and global powers including the United States, restricted Iran's enrichment of uranium to 3.67% and set its uranium stockpile ceiling at 300 kilograms. The agreement, however, collapsed in 2018 after President Trump withdrew unilaterally from the accord. By 2019, Iran started going beyond those thresholds, enriching uranium up to 60% nearly weapons-grade concentration.
Adding to global apprehensions, Iranian President Pezeshkian had, earlier this month, signed into a law suspending cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The move followed the approval by Parliament of the legislation, as reported by Iran's state broadcaster.
In view of these developments, Indian authorities are appealing to people to remain alert and focus on their safety amid the turbulent geopolitical scenario.
