Amid escalating Israeli missile strikes across Iran, over 350 Indian medical students enrolled in Tehran and other cities have appealed to the Indian government for immediate evacuation. The growing conflict has sparked widespread panic among the students, with many saying they no longer feel safe.
Imtisal Mohidin, a third-year MBBS student at Shahid Beheshti University in Tehran, described the terrifying experience. “I woke up at 2:30 am on Friday to loud explosions and rushed to the basement. We haven’t slept since,” he told ANI.
Following the attacks, the university has suspended classes, and students have taken shelter in basements. Explosions have reportedly occurred just a few kilometres from the student hostels. “We are stuck inside our apartment basement. We hear blasts every night. One of the explosions was just 5 km away. We haven’t slept in three days,” said Mohidin, who hails from Handwara in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kupwara district.
Safety concerns rise beyond Tehran
The fear has spread beyond the capital. Faizan Nabi, a first-year student at Kerman University of Medical Sciences, said even relatively quieter cities are on edge. “We heard gunshots in our city today. My friends in Tehran are terrified. We were advised to store drinking water for 3-4 days. That’s how bad it is,” he said.
Faizan, a resident of Srinagar, added, “I’ve been getting 10 calls a day from my parents. The internet is so slow that I can’t even send a WhatsApp message quickly. We came here to become doctors. Now we’re just trying to stay alive.”
‘The most horrifying night’
Midhat, a fourth-year MBBS student at Iran University of Medical Science in Tehran, recalled the initial wave of strikes as particularly harrowing. “The blasts were not far — just a few kilometres away. Everyone was panicking. My family keeps checking on me. We’re constantly monitoring the news,” said Midhat, a native of Sopore in Jammu and Kashmir.
Iran’s restricted airspace delays evacuation efforts
Students are now stuck indoors with no clarity on evacuation timelines. Iran’s airspace remains restricted, and travel options are uncertain. While the Indian Embassy has been in touch through WhatsApp and issued advisories, many students said the universities haven’t provided much assistance.
“We request the Government of India to evacuate us before the situation worsens. The Embassy has shared helplines and is in touch, but we are frightened and need to go home,” Mohidin urged.
Midhat also voiced concern about the uncertain duration of this crisis. “Most of us are scared and staying inside. We don’t know how long this will go on,” she added.
Embassy outreach continues, students await action
The Indian Embassy in Iran has asked all Indian nationals to join a dedicated Telegram group for updates and shared emergency helpline numbers. Students continue to rely on these channels for safety instructions as they wait for a rescue plan.
As the conflict deepens, the urgent call from these students highlights the growing humanitarian concern for Indian citizens stranded in war zones.
