Guwahati: India has advised its citizens in Iran to leave the country amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran over Iran’s nuclear programme and growing unrest in the Iranian capital.
The advisory follows a volatile weekend in Tehran marked by student-led protests, rival pro- and anti-government demonstrations, and heightened rhetoric from senior officials in both countries.
“In continuation of the advisory issued by the Government of India on January 5, 2026, and in view of the evolving situation in Iran, Indian nationals who are currently in Iran — including students, pilgrims, businesspersons and tourists — are advised to leave Iran by available means of transport, including commercial flights,” the Embassy of India in Tehran said in a statement.
Fears of a wider regional escalation have intensified amid a significant military build-up by the United States and fresh nuclear negotiations scheduled later this week in Geneva.
Washington has stepped up pressure on Tehran in recent weeks. In an interview with Fox News, Steve Witkoff, special envoy to US President Donald Trump, said the administration was perplexed by Iran’s current posture.
Witkoff said the US President was “curious” as to why Tehran had not aligned more closely with Washington’s expectations despite mounting pressure and an enhanced American naval presence in the region.
Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran remains committed to regional stability, while closely monitoring US actions and preparing for all possible contingencies.