110 Indians Evacuated from Iran as Tensions with Israel Escalate

Amid escalating hostilities between Iran and Israel, India has begun the evacuation of its nationals from the conflict zone. The first group of 110 Indian citizens has successfully crossed into Armenia and is scheduled to return to Delhi on Tuesday.

In a fresh advisory issued on Monday, the Indian government urged all Indian nationals residing in Tehran to leave the country at the earliest. The Embassy of India in Tehran has activated emergency helplines for assistance: +98 9010144557, +98 9128109115, and +98 9128109109.

The advisory comes in the wake of renewed missile and drone attacks launched by Iran on Israeli territory, marking the fifth consecutive day of escalating violence in the region. The flare-up follows Israel’s military offensive, dubbed Operation Rising Lion, targeting Iranian nuclear facilities last week.

Since then, Iran has responded with a series of retaliatory strikes. The latest wave of drone and missile attacks has killed over 20 civilians and injured hundreds across Israeli cities, fuelling fears that the crisis could spiral into a broader regional conflict.

Meanwhile, Iranian authorities have claimed they uncovered a Mossad-linked drone manufacturing unit in Tehran. According to local media, two individuals accused of working for the Israeli intelligence agency were arrested in separate operations across Tehran and Alborz provinces. Security forces reportedly seized over 200 kilograms of explosives, components for 23 drones, launch systems, and various technical tools.

Iran’s Foreign Minister and chief nuclear negotiator, Abbas Araghchi, condemned Israel’s actions during calls with his French, British, and German counterparts. “The Israeli aggression against Iran in the midst of nuclear negotiations with the United States is a blow to diplomacy,” Araghchi stated.

Tensions escalated further on Monday when dramatic footage emerged showing a missile strike on the compound housing Iranian State TV. During a live broadcast, anchor Sahar Imami was forced to abandon her news bulletin mid-air as the studio shook violently from the blast.

The United States has announced plans to strengthen its military posture in the region. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that additional defence assets were being deployed, though specific details were withheld. “We are enhancing our defensive capabilities to safeguard our interests and allies in the region,” Hegseth noted.

Amid mounting pressure, Iran has warned that it may withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), a pivotal international agreement aimed at curbing the spread of nuclear weapons. In contrast, US President Donald Trump declared that Iran had “missed its chance” to strike a nuclear deal with Washington.

Citing the growing unrest, Trump has decided to cut short his visit to the G7 summit in Canada. “President Trump had a great day at the G7, even signing a major trade deal with the United Kingdom and Prime Minister Keir Starmer,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said. “However, due to the worsening situation in the Middle East, the President will return to Washington tonight following dinner with world leaders.”

In Israel, the Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv has also activated 24x7 emergency helplines, urging Indians in the region to remain alert and prioritise their safety. The embassy posted on social media,“We are continuously monitoring the evolving situation including the safety of Indian nationals. In case of any emergency, please contact the 24x7 helplines: +972 54-7520711, +972 54-3278392, or email [cons1.telaviv@mea.gov.in](mailto:cons1.telaviv@mea.gov.in).”​