New Delhi

India on Monday issued a travel advisory for its nationals in Iran amid ongoing protests, urging caution and restraint as the situation in the country remains volatile.

In an advisory issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Indian nationals were advised to avoid non-essential travel to Iran until further notice. “In view of recent developments, Indian nationals are advised to avoid non-essential travel to the Islamic Republic of Iran until further notice,” the MEA said.

The advisory also outlined safety precautions for Indian citizens currently in Iran. It urged them to exercise due caution, avoid areas witnessing protests or demonstrations, and closely monitor updates through local news as well as the website and social media platforms of the Embassy of India in Tehran.

Indian nationals residing in Iran on long-term or resident visas were further advised to ensure that they are registered with the Indian Embassy if they have not already done so.

The advisory comes amid sporadic protests in Iran’s capital, Tehran, and several other cities. According to media reports, clashes have intensified in parts of the country, particularly in western regions.

The demonstrations, which began in late December, initially involved shopkeepers staging strikes over economic grievances before expanding in scope, with protesters later raising political demands, Al Jazeera reported.

Iranian authorities have maintained that the unrest has not assumed a nationwide character. “From time to time and sporadically we witness protests, such as last night in Tehran, Kazerun, and other cities,” an Al Jazeera correspondent reported, adding that at least 14 people, including members of the security forces, have been killed since the protests began.

Warning of possible escalation, the correspondent said further unrest could occur if the government fails to take concrete and practical steps to address grievances.

Protests held on Saturday evening in Tehran were described as “limited” by the semi-official Fars news agency, which said demonstrations generally involved groups of 50 to 200 young people. According to Fars, protests were reported in several districts across eastern, western, and southern parts of the capital.

While demonstrators chanted slogans such as “death to the dictator,” no major incidents were reported beyond stone-pelting and the burning of rubbish bins, the agency said. However, Fars noted that violence intensified in other regions, particularly in western Iran. In Malekshahi, a county with a significant Kurdish population, one member of the security forces was killed during clashes, while two assailants were also reported killed.

Coverage of the protests has varied, with state-run media accused of downplaying developments, while videos circulating on social media remain difficult to independently verify, according to Al Jazeera.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei addressed the protests on Saturday in his first public remarks since the unrest began. “We talk to protesters, the officials must talk to them,” he said, adding, “But there is no benefit to talking to rioters. Rioters must be put in their place.”

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According to Al Jazeera, Khamenei acknowledged Iran’s economic challenges while warning that authorities would not allow the protests to escalate into broader unrest.