Tehran, Iran:
Thousands of residents in Tehran have begun fleeing their homes in panic, stockpiling essentials like food, medicine, and supplies amid rising fears of intensified airstrikes from Israel. The Israeli military has reportedly issued warnings to civilians in specific zones, advising them to evacuate for their own safety — a sign that broader aerial operations may be underway.
Mounting Pressure on Iran as Conflict Escalates
Despite reassurances from the Iranian government urging citizens to remain calm, state television broadcasted visuals of long queues of vehicles exiting the capital. Roads leading out of Tehran are reportedly gridlocked, as citizens head toward rural areas to escape what many fear could be an all-out assault.
As the situation worsens, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has stepped in to ensure the safety of Indian nationals residing in Iran — including students, professionals, and their families.
India Urges Nationals to Leave Tehran Immediately
In a fresh advisory issued this week, the Indian government has appealed to all its citizens in Iran — particularly those in Tehran — to leave the capital and move to safer locations. The Indian Embassy in Tehran, in coordination with MEA officials in New Delhi, is working actively on evacuation plans.
According to government sources, nearly 10,000 Indian nationals are currently stranded in Iran. With air travel suspended and Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport shut down, the Iranian government has authorized all foreign nationals to exit the country via land borders.
Tehran has informed diplomatic missions and international organizations that while airspace is closed, land borders remain open. Embassies wishing to evacuate their staff or citizens can do so after coordinating with Iranian authorities.
Chaos in the Capital as Civilians Flee to Countryside
Roads leading out of Tehran resemble scenes from a disaster movie. Highways are jammed with vehicles, as families rush toward smaller towns and villages in search of safety. The closure of Iran’s airspace and cancellation of all outbound flights have added to the growing uncertainty.
Despite repeated government appeals for calm, the sound of explosions and the looming threat of war have triggered widespread panic. Israel’s military actions appear to be intensifying, and with Iran on high alert, civilians are preparing for the worst.
Background: What Sparked the Crisis?
Tensions between Iran and Israel have been simmering for years, but recent military strikes and aggressive posturing from both sides have pushed the situation to a boiling point. Analysts warn that any further escalation could draw in regional and global powers, worsening an already volatile Middle East.
As the conflict unfolds, diplomatic efforts are underway behind the scenes, but for thousands on the ground — particularly in Tehran — the immediate priority remains survival.