As military tensions between Israel and Iran escalate sharply, Indian medical students stranded in Tehran have shared harrowing accounts of their experience during the initial hours of Israel’s Operation Rising Lion against Iranian military and nuclear sites.
Over 140 Indian MBBS students are enrolled at Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS) and the Islamic Azad University, many of whom described to media the terrifying sounds of explosions, drone activity, and fighter jet overflights in the capital city. Several blasts were reported close to the students’ dormitories in the early hours of Friday, sparking panic and fears for their safety.
“Around 3:20 am on Friday, we heard a loud blast. When we looked outside, there was black smoke in the sky. Within hours, fighter jets were flying overhead, and the sky was full of drones. There was a complete blackout. We spent the whole night in the dormitory basement fearing the worst,” said one student from TUMS.
Another student added: “The situation was deteriorating every minute. We didn’t sleep the whole night; sounds of explosions continued until morning.”
Despite the alarming situation, the students praised the immediate response from their university.
“Our Vice-Dean and Dean personally came to reassure us. They told us everything possible would be done to ensure our safety. Their presence gave us some courage — but honestly, after that night, we do not have the heart to stay here any longer,” one MBBS student said.
The students are now pleading for evacuation from Iran, invoking memories of India’s successful rescue of citizens during the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
“We trust the Government of India. Please evacuate us soon, before the situation worsens further,” urged a student.
The Embassy of India in Tehran has issued multiple public advisories, emergency helpline numbers, and a dedicated Telegram channel to communicate with Indian nationals.
“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,” the Embassy posted on X, sharing the link: https://t.me/indiansiniran.
Indian officials in Tehran have urged all citizens to remain calm, exercise caution, stay indoors, and follow official advisories.
The Embassy continues to monitor the situation closely amid rising regional instability.
Rising Tensions in West Asia
The crisis erupted on June 13, when Israel launched “Operation Rising Lion”, targeting Iran’s military and nuclear infrastructure in response to what it called “an existential threat”.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that the operation would continue “as long as necessary.”
In retaliation, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) unleashed “Operation True Promise 3”, launching drones and missiles at Israeli fighter jet fuel facilities and energy centers, according to Iranian media agency IRNA.
As the two sides trade blows, fears of a wider regional war loom large, endangering thousands of foreign nationals, including Indian students in Iran.