India advises its citizens to leave Iran

India has urged its citizens in Iran to leave the country, which is facing violent protests and threats of US intervention. There are currently at least 10,765 Indians in Iran, according to the Indian Foreign Ministry

“In view of the evolving situation in Iran, Indian nationals currently in Iran (students, pilgrims, business persons and tourists) are advised to leave by any means of transport,” the Indian Embassy in Tehran said in an advisory on Wednesday.

It urged those who cannot leave immediately to limit their movements, stay away from crowded and sensitive places, and keep in regular contact with the Indian Embassy for updates and help.

Indian nationals have also been asked to keep their travel and immigration documents, including passports and identity papers, readily accessible.

On January 5, the Indian Foreign Ministry issued an advisory urging its citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Iran.

The White House reportedly warned Gulf allies to prepare for potential US action against Iran. 

US President Donald Trump posted on social media on Tuesday that “HELP IS ON ITS WAY” to Iranian protesters, urging them to take over state institutions.

Gulf leaders have expressed concern that toppling the government could shift power to the more hardline Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) or lead to nationwide chaos. Saudi officials have reportedly informed Tehran they will not participate in any US-Iran confrontation.

Tehran has called on the UN Security Council to “unconditionally condemn” US threats of force, blaming Washington and Israel for instigating the unrest.

Moscow has also accused the West of seeking to “destroy the Iranian state” by exploiting economic protests to engineer a color revolution