India, South Korea advise citizens to leave Iran immediately
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- India and South Korea urge citizens to leave Iran amid unrest and US-Iran tensions.
- Embassies stress immediate action, avoiding protests, and staying in contact with consular officials.
The governments of India and South Korea have issued urgent advisories calling on their citizens in Iran to depart the country immediately amid escalating unrest and rising US-Iran tensions.
The Indian Embassy in Tehran directed all Indian nationals, including students, pilgrims, business travelers, and tourists, to leave Iran using any available means, including commercial flights. Travelers are urged to keep passports and identification documents accessible and maintain regular contact with embassy officials.
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Similarly, the South Korean Embassy in Tehran advised its citizens to leave the country without delay, citing growing security concerns and potential disruptions to transport and communications. The embassy activated emergency helplines to assist travelers and emphasized the importance of avoiding protest areas.
Escalating Unrest
The advisories follow widespread anti-government demonstrations across Iran, including clashes at universities and in major cities such as Tehran. Both Indian and South Korean officials warned citizens to steer clear of protests and monitor local media for updates.
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India’s Ministry of External Affairs had previously issued guidance on January 5 and January 14, recommending caution and avoidance of non-essential travel. The latest advisory reinforces these warnings, noting a deteriorating security situation.
Geopolitical Tensions
The situation in Iran is further complicated by increasing friction with the United States, amid reports of possible military action over Iran’s nuclear program and regional activities. Several nations have taken precautionary measures to safeguard their citizens amid fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East.
Consular Support
Both India and South Korea have mobilized consular channels to assist citizens, while commercial flights remain operational. Officials, however, cautioned that unstable conditions may disrupt transportation. No large-scale evacuation has been announced so far.
India cited past operations, such as Operation Sindhu in June 2025, as examples of its ability to coordinate swift evacuations during crises. South Korea emphasized rapid response measures and consular assistance to ensure citizen safety.
The embassies urge all nationals to act promptly and follow official updates for the latest guidance.
