New Delhi

India on Wednesday asked all its nationals residing in Iran to leave the country by available means and advised against travel to the Islamic Republic as tensions escalated amid fears of possible US military intervention over Tehran’s crackdown on nationwide protests.

In a fresh advisory, the Indian Embassy in Tehran urged all Indians — including students, pilgrims, businesspersons and tourists — to depart Iran using available transport options, including commercial flights.

According to official estimates, over 10,000 Indians, including students, are currently living in Iran.

The mission also advised Indian citizens and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) to exercise due caution, avoid areas witnessing protests or demonstrations, and remain in regular contact with the embassy.

Indian nationals were further advised to keep their passports and travel documents readily available. Those residing in Iran on resident visas were asked to register with the embassy.

“In view of the evolving situation in Iran, Indian nationals who are currently in Iran (students, pilgrims, business persons and tourists) are advised to leave Iran by available means of transport, including commercial flights,” the embassy said.

In case internet disruptions prevent registration, families of Indian nationals in India have been requested to complete the registration process on their behalf, the advisory said.

Separately, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also advised Indians to avoid travelling to Iran until further notice.

“In view of the ongoing developments in Iran, Indian nationals are once again strongly advised to avoid travel to the Islamic Republic of Iran,” the MEA said, reiterating an earlier advisory issued on January 5, which had urged citizens to avoid non-essential travel.

India’s advisory comes amid sharply rising tensions following US President Donald Trump’s warnings of possible military action if Tehran continues its violent response to protests.

“If they hang them, you're going to see some things… We will take very strong action if they do such a thing,” Trump told CBS News. He also said on Tuesday that “help is on the way” for Iranian protesters and announced a 25 per cent tariff on countries trading with Iran.

The protests erupted late last month after Iran’s currency, the rial, plunged to record lows and have since spread to all 31 provinces, evolving from demonstrations over economic distress into demands for political change.

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The overall situation has deteriorated sharply in recent days, with the death toll from the nationwide protests crossing 2,500, according to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA).