New Delhi

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is preparing to facilitate the return of Indian nationals from Iran amid the rapidly evolving situation in the country, official sources said.

On Wednesday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar received a telephone call from Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, during which the two leaders discussed the developments in and around Iran.

“Received a call from Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi. We discussed the evolving situation in and around Iran,” Jaishankar said in a post on X.

Earlier, the MEA issued a fresh advisory strongly urging Indian citizens to avoid all travel to Iran until further notice and advising those currently in the country to leave immediately using available commercial flights.

“In view of the ongoing developments in Iran, Indian nationals are once again strongly advised to avoid travel to the Islamic Republic of Iran until further notice,” the MEA said in a statement.

The advisory follows an earlier warning issued on January 5, as concerns mounted over the deteriorating security situation.

Separately, the Indian Embassy in Tehran has advised Indian nationals — including students, pilgrims, business persons and tourists — to leave Iran at the earliest opportunity.

“In continuation of the advisory issued by the Government of India on January 5, 2025, and in view of the evolving situation in Iran, Indian nationals who are currently in Iran are advised to leave by available means of transport, including commercial flights,” the embassy said.

The advisory reiterated that all Indian citizens and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) should exercise due caution, avoid areas of protests or demonstrations, remain in contact with the embassy, and closely monitor local media for updates.

“All Indian nationals are requested to keep their travel and immigration documents, including passports and identity cards, readily available and contact the Indian Embassy for any assistance,” it said.

The embassy also shared emergency contact details: +989128109115, +989128109109, +989128109102, +989932179359, and email [email protected]. Indians who have not yet registered with the embassy were urged to do so via the MEA registration portal. Families in India have been requested to register on their behalf in case of internet disruptions in Iran.

The advisory comes as protests continue to escalate across Iran, with reports of clashes between demonstrators and security forces. Media reports have estimated the death toll to range from under 3,000 to over 12,000.

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The Indian government said it is closely monitoring the situation and remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens abroad.