NEW DELHI, India, Jan 14:  India on Wednesday issued an advisory urging its nationals in Iran to leave the country immediately, citing an evolving security situation amid rising regional tensions and ongoing protests, the Indian embassy in Tehran said.

“In continuation of the advisory issued by the Government of India on January 5, 2025, and in view of the evolving situation in Iran, Indian nationals currently in the country — including students, pilgrims, businesspersons, and tourists — are advised to leave Iran by available means of transport, including commercial flights,” the embassy said.

The warning comes amid heightened concerns over a possible US military action against Iran and widespread protests, which have reportedly claimed more than 2,500 lives. Indian authorities urged citizens to remain vigilant, avoid areas of unrest, and stay in contact with the embassy.

The embassy advised all Indian citizens and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) to exercise due caution, avoid demonstrations, monitor local media, and keep travel and identity documents readily accessible. Emergency helplines and official contact details for consular assistance have been activated. Citizens not yet registered with the embassy were urged to do so through the Ministry of External Affairs’ online portal, with families in India asked to register on their behalf if internet access in Iran is disrupted.

The protests, now entering their third week, erupted amid worsening economic conditions and a record low of Iran’s currency at 1.4 million rials per US dollar. Years of international sanctions have left the oil-rich nation’s economy fragile. Experts describe the unrest as the most intense in a decade, posing the largest challenge to the country’s theocratic leadership.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump on Tuesday encouraged Iranian protesters to “keep protesting and take over the country’s institutions,” signaling potential US intervention. Tehran has reportedly halted all communications with Washington amid ongoing threats.

Some US personnel stationed at the Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar — the largest US military facility in the Middle East — have been advised to leave. A similar precautionary move was taken last year before the US strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities.