India has urged all its citizens to leave Tehran “immediately” as Israeli missile strikes continue to hit Iranian targets for a fourth consecutive day, escalating fears of a full-scale regional war.
The Indian foreign ministry issued a stark warning on Tuesday, June, 17, 2025, saying several Indian students had already fled the Iranian capital, with others crossing into neighboring countries for safety.
“Residents who are self-sufficient in terms of transport have also been advised to move out of the city in view of the developing situation,” the statement read.
The evacuation advisory comes just hours after U.S. President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social urging “everyone” in Tehran to leave the city, calling the situation increasingly dangerous.
Tehran, home to nearly 10 million people, has come under heavy bombardment since Israel launched a surprise aerial campaign last week.
India confirmed that “some Indians have been facilitated to leave Iran through the border with Armenia,” a mountainous escape route located several hundred kilometers northwest of Tehran.
While the exact number of affected citizens is unknown, last year’s official data indicated around 10,000 Indians reside in Iran.
Thousands more are based in Israel, where the Indian government has also advised “heightened vigilance.”
In Azerbaijan, authorities said more than 600 foreign nationals from 17 countries have fled Iran through its border since hostilities began.
“Evacuees are transported from the border to Baku International Airport and flown to their home countries on international flights,” an Azerbaijani government official told AFP.
Israel has vowed to continue its campaign, citing the need to dismantle Iran’s alleged nuclear infrastructure.
Tehran, meanwhile, has launched retaliatory missile barrages, fueling global concern that the conflict could draw in more nations and derail efforts at diplomatic de-escalation.
India’s swift evacuation notice is among the most direct yet, underscoring rising alarm among world powers over civilian safety as the region slides deeper into chaos.
With foreign embassies on high alert and border crossings turning into lifelines, the conflict’s human toll is becoming increasingly visible—despite mounting international calls for restraint.