India advises nationals to leave Iran amid escalating Middle-East tensions

The Indian Embassy in Iran, in its advisory, reiterated its earlier warning against travel to the country. It also advised Indian nationals presently in Iran to exit at the earliest opportunity.

“In view of the latest developments in the region, the Embassy reiterates its earlier advice to all Indian nationals to avoid any travel to Iran. Indian nationals presently in Iran are also advised to exit the country by available means of transport,” the statement said.

The advisory came hours after Iran launched a volley of missiles towards Israel, marking the first such major escalation in nearly two months and raising concerns of a broader regional conflict.

According to reports, the exchange of fire has heightened fears of renewed fighting, even as diplomatic efforts continue to secure a possible ceasefire deal in the ongoing US-Israel-Iran tensions that began earlier this year.

The Times of Israel reported that around 10 missiles were fired toward northern Israel in quick succession at approximately 10 p.m. local time. No injuries were reported.

Iran said the missile attack was in retaliation for an Israeli strike on Beirut’s southern Dahiyeh suburb, which reportedly targeted the headquarters of the Hezbollah militant group.

In a post on X, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it had detected incoming missiles from Iran and activated defensive systems to intercept the threat.

“The IDF identified missiles launched from Iran toward Israel. Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat,” the military said, adding that air raid sirens were sounded in several areas.

Israel carries out retaliatory strikes

In response, Israel confirmed that its air force had conducted strikes on military targets in western and central Iran.

“The Israeli Air Force struck military targets belonging to the Iranian terror regime in western and central Iran a short while ago,” the IDF said in a statement.

Iran’s Mehr News Agency reported powerful explosions in several parts of Tehran, as well as in the cities of Tabriz, Isfahan and Karaj.

Multiple reports also said Iran temporarily closed the airspace around Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport following the strikes, amid heightened security concerns.