India Urges Citizens to Leave Iran Amid Violent Protests
- By Thetripurapost Desk, Tehran
- Jan 14, 2026
- 820
Amid escalating violence and nationwide protests in Iran, the Indian government on Wednesday issued a renewed advisory urging all Indian citizens currently in the country to leave at the earliest. The advisory applies to students, pilgrims, businesspersons, and tourists, and is a continuation of the earlier warning issued on January 5, citing rapidly deteriorating security conditions.
Indian nationals have been advised to avoid protests and crowded areas, remain vigilant, stay in contact with the Indian Embassy in Tehran, and closely monitor local media for updates.
Worsening Human Rights Situation
The advisory comes as Iran witnesses its 18th consecutive day of violent protests. According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), more than 2,550 people have been killed, including 2,403 protesters and 147 security personnel. However, Iran International claims the death toll could be as high as 12,000, with most deaths caused by gunshot wounds.
On Wednesday evening, Iranian authorities are set to hold a burial ceremony for 300 bodies at Tehran University under heavy security. The Guardian reports that the deceased include both protesters and members of the security forces.
First Execution During Protests
In a move widely condemned by human rights groups, 26-year-old protester Erfan Soltani is expected to be executed on Wednesday. Arrested on January 8 and sentenced to death just three days later, Soltani was charged with moharebeh (waging war against God), one of Iran’s gravest crimes.
According to reports, Soltani was denied a trial, legal representation, or the right to appeal. His family has been granted only a 10-minute final meeting. Rights groups say this marks the first execution linked to the current protests and is part of a fast-track intimidation strategy aimed at silencing dissent. Iran already ranks second globally in executions, after China.
International Tensions Rise
US President Donald Trump warned that Washington would respond strongly if Iran resumed executions. He later urged Iranian protesters to seize government buildings, posting on Truth Social that those killing protesters would “pay a heavy price.”
Iran’s National Security Chief Ali Larijani reacted sharply, calling Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “killers of the Iranian people.”
Despite the rhetoric, Trump has temporarily put military action against Iran on hold, though US forces have been instructed to remain ready. The White House claims Iran has sent private messages seeking talks, even as public statements remain hostile.
Arab States Urge Restraint
According to NBC News and CNN, Israel and several Arab nations — including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman — have urged the US not to launch military strikes against Iran. They fear such action could destabilize the entire Middle East and rally Iranians behind their government rather than weaken it.
Instead, Israel has suggested non-military pressure such as cyber operations, tighter sanctions, and communication support for protesters.
Economic Pressure and Regime Change Talk
Trump has also announced a 25% additional tariff on countries doing business with Iran, a move likely to affect trade partners such as China, the UAE, and India. Meanwhile, Iran’s currency has collapsed, with the rial now worth almost nothing.
US media outlet Axios reports that Trump’s special representative Steve Witkoff recently held a secret meeting with exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, who has publicly offered to lead a non-violent transition and called for a referendum to establish a secular, democratic Iran.