India Issues Advisory for Citizens in Iran Amid Protests and Trump’s Threats Against Khamenei Regime

India on Monday urged its citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Iran amid escalating protests over inflation and the rising cost of living.

In an advisory, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) asked Indian nationals and people of Indian origin (PIOs) currently in Iran to exercise caution and stay away from areas witnessing protests or demonstrations.

“In view of recent developments, Indian nationals are advised to avoid non-essential travel to the Islamic Republic of Iran until further notice,” the advisory said.

The MEA also advised Indian citizens and PIOs in Iran to closely monitor local developments through news updates and the Indian embassy’s website and social media handles. Indian nationals residing in Iran on long-term visas were urged to register with the Indian embassy.

Around 10,000 Indian nationals live in Iran, most of them students. Iran also receives a large number of Shia Muslim pilgrims from India each year.

The advisory comes amid heightened international tension, following US President Donald Trump’s warning of possible intervention if Iranian authorities crack down violently on protesters. According to reports, about 15 people, including security personnel, have been killed since the protests — the largest in three years — began around a week ago.

“We’re watching it very closely. If they start killing people like they have in the past, I think they’re going to get hit very hard by the US,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has said the country “will not yield to the enemy,” while senior Iranian officials have warned of potential retaliation against US forces in the region. At the same time, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has instructed the interior ministry to take a “kind and responsible” approach towards protesters, saying that “society cannot be convinced or calmed by forceful approaches.”

According to an AFP tally, protests have been reported in 23 of Iran’s 31 provinces and at least 40 cities. The demonstrations began about a week ago among traders and shopkeepers before spreading to students and other provincial centres.

Iran has been grappling with inflation above 36% since March 2025, while the rial has lost nearly half its value against the US dollar, deepening economic hardship. The situation has worsened following the resumption of Western sanctions over Iran’s nuclear programme, with global financial institutions warning of a possible recession in 2026.