India Issues Urgent ‘Leave Iran’ Advisory Amid War Fears With US

The Indian Embassy in Tehran has issued a high-priority advisory today, Monday, February 23, 2026, urging all Indian nationals currently in Iran to depart the country immediately.

The warning comes as geopolitical tensions between Washington and Tehran reach a critical flashpoint, with military analysts warning of potential U.S. strikes.

The advisory applies to all approximately 10,000 Indians in the country, including students, pilgrims, tourists, and business professionals.

Key Highlights of the Advisory

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has shifted its stance from “avoiding travel” to an urgent “leave now” directive.

Mode of Departure: Nationals are advised to use all available means of transport, including remaining commercial flights, before airspace potentially closes.
Emergency Helpline: The Embassy has activated 24/7 hotlines for those requiring assistance with travel documents or exit visas:
- Primary: +98 9128109115
- Secondary: +98 9128109109 / +98 9128109102
Registration: All Indians living on resident visas who have not yet registered with the mission are urged to do so immediately via the Embassy’s official portal.

Why is the Situation Escalating?

The fresh warning is triggered by a “Super Bomb” cyclone of diplomatic and military factors:

Military Buildup: The U.S. Navy’s second carrier strike group, led by the USS Gerald Ford, is reportedly entering the eastern Mediterranean/Persian Gulf region today.
The “10-Day” Deadline: President Trump recently signaled a 10-day window for a new nuclear deal, a deadline that many fear could lead to offensive “targeted strikes” if concessions are not met.
Internal Unrest: Iran has been gripped by intensifying nationwide protests since December 2025 following the collapse of the rial, leading to severe domestic security crackdowns.
Airspace Risks: Several international carriers, including IndiGo, have already suspended flights over Iranian airspace through late February, citing increased risk to commercial aviation.

Comparative Status of Foreign Missions

India is not alone in its assessment. Over the last 48 hours, several other nations have upgraded their travel warnings:

Country	Action Taken
Poland	Advised citizens to leave “immediately” as evacuation options shrink.
Australia	Warned that commercial flight availability could “change quickly.”
Sweden / Serbia	Issued total “Do Not Travel” and “Leave Now” notices.