As tensions continue to rise in West Asia, Indian students in Tehran recalled the initial hours of the conflict between Israel and Iran. Noting that around 140 Indian students were present at Tehran University of Medical Sciences on the first day of military action by Israel, the students spoke of the support provided by the university’s senior officials but also appealed for their evacuation in the wake of uncertainty over the situation amid rising tensions.
Students ANI spoke to are pursuing MBBS degrees at Tehran University of Medical Sciences and Islamic Azad University, and discussed their experiences since the military action began.
“The condition was getting worse here every minute,” one of the students recalled. “On Friday morning, at around 3:20 am, we heard a blast. It was a huge sound. When we looked out of our windows, there was black smoke, and when we went downstairs, we heard more blasts,” another student said.
“After 2-3 hours, we heard the boom of fighter jets. We have been really scared… Our skies were filled with drones…Since the (Friday) evening to the next day’s morning, we heard sounds continuously. There was a complete blackout and were sitting under the dormitory,” the student added. The students said that they received support from the university authorities.
“Our University (Tehran University of Medical Sciences) has been very helpful. As soon as the blasts happened, our Vice-Dean came to check on us and calmed us. By the evening, our Dean also arrived and assured us that nothing would happen. That was a very dangerous night which we faced. We don’t have the heart to spend one more night here,” a student said.
The students, who come from different parts of India, have been pursuing their education for varied periods of time. The students stated that they have been in touch with the Indian Embassy and have been assured of all necessary support. The students said they want to be evacuated as soon as possible.
“We trust in India’s power and really want to be evacuated,” a student said. They recalled the government’s efforts to bring back Indian students during the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
On Sunday, the Embassy of India in Iran issued several helpline numbers and created a Telegram Link for communication with Indian nationals currently in Iran. The Embassy shared details in a series of posts on X, saying that the Telegram link is “ONLY” for Indian nationals in Iran.
“We request everyone in Iran to join the below given Telegram Link to receive updates on the situation from the Embassy. Kindly note that this Telegram Link is ONLY for those Indian Nationals who are currently in Iran. https://t.me/indiansiniran,” it said on X.
We request everyone in Iran to join the below given Telegram Link to receive updates on the situation from the Embassy. Kindly note that this Telegram Link is ONLY for those Indian Nationals who are currently in Iran.https://t.co/6rLuloaEYO
— India in Iran (@India_in_Iran) June 15, 2025
Asking the nationals not to give in to panic, the Embassy asked people to exercise caution and remain in contact with the Embassy in Tehran.
We request everyone in Iran to join the below given Telegram Link to receive updates on the situation from the Embassy. Kindly note that this Telegram Link is ONLY for those Indian Nationals who are currently in Iran.https://t.co/6rLuloaEYO
— India in Iran (@India_in_Iran) June 15, 2025
Tensions have been rising between Israel and Iran in West Asia. On June 13, Israel launched a massive airstrike on Iranian military and nuclear sites, dubbed “Operation Rising Lion”.
. Kindly provide your details at the following link: https://t.co/Sz57V3s7iX
2. Please remember, it is important not to panic, exercise due caution and maintain contact with the Embassy of India in Tehran.— India in Iran (@India_in_Iran) June 15, 2025
Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel has launched Operation Rising Lion, a targeted military operation to roll back the “Iranian threat to Israel’s very survival”, adding that the mission would continue “for as many days as it takes to remove this threat.” In response, Iranian News Agency IRNA said the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC), in response to the Israeli aggression, has launched a large-scale drone and missile operation ‘Operation True Promise 3’ targeting Israeli fighter jet fuel production facilities and energy supply centres. The strikes were conducted in direct retaliation against Israeli “aggression”.
