Amid raging anti-government protests in Iran, India on Monday said that all its nationals currently in the Islamic nation are safe and advised them not to venture out in affected areas.
In a media briefing in Delhi, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said that the government is tracking the developments in Iran and the Indian Embassy is in touch with the student and expatriate Indians.
“We have a significant community of expatriate Indians and also students from India in Iran. Despite the restrictions in place, our embassy has been able to reach out to the student community and find that they are all doing well and have not faced any difficulties thus far,” Misri said.
He advised that “all of our compatriots there not to venture out or find themselves in the middle of the disturbances.”
His remarks came amid concerns about the safety of Indians residing in Iran, including students in view of the violent anti-government protests.
At least 544 killed as protests spread to all 31 provinces of the country
Iran has been facing intense anti-government protests since December 28 last year. The protests that began as a demonstration by a group of traders against the falling Iranian currency and rising inflation has now spiralled into a mass uprising against the Ayatollah Ali Khamenei-led regime.
The protests have spread to at least 585 locations across the country, in 186 cities, spanning all 31 provinces.
According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), at least 544 protesters have been killed and scores others have been injured in clashes with security forces during the anti-government protests. Internet services remained suspended in many parts of the country since Thursday last week. The Khamenei regime has warned protesters with stringent legal actions, including charges of “death penalty”.
Trump says US considering “some very strong options”
Meanwhile, the United States has warned Iran that it will intervene if the protesters are killed. US President Donald Trump has said that he is considering “some very strong options”. “We’re looking at it very seriously. The military is looking at it, and we’re looking at some very strong options. We’ll make a determination,” he told reporters on board Air Force One on Sunday.
He also claimed that the Iranian leadership has reached out to him seeking to negotiate and that a meeting is being set up.However, he added that the US may have to act before a meeting.