Karnataka Medical Students In Tehran Seek Evacuation Amid Israel-Iran Tensions

Last Updated:June 16, 2025, 22:09 IST

These medical students fear for their safety as Israel declared "aerial superiority" and said it has control of Iranian skies from the western part to the capital Tehran

A man looks at flames rising from an oil storage facility after it appeared to have been struck by an Israeli strike in Tehran, Iran, on June 15. (Image: AP/Vahid Salemi)

Amid tensions between Israel and Iran, nine students from Karnataka stranded in Tehran have made a desperate plea to the central government for evacuation. While the evacuation of Indian students began via Armenia on Monday, these medical students fear for their safety as Israel declared “aerial superiority" and said it has control of Iranian skies from the western part of the country to its capital Tehran.

Dr Aarti Krishna, vice-chairperson of the NRI Forum Karnataka, wrote to the ministry of external affairs (MEA) on June 15 urging immediate action. “I am writing to request your help in evacuating nine Karnataka students stuck in Toufiq Alley, Zafraniya area, Tehran, Iran, who had gone there to study medicine. They are requesting urgent intervention from the Indian embassy in Tehran and the ministry of external affairs to help them return to India," her letter stated.

The students — Nadeem Hussain, Mir Naser Hussain, Syed Mohd Taqi, Mir Esam Reza, Abbas Askari, Syed Mohsin Reza, Maryam Fatima, Daniya Ulfat, and Abbas Ali — are enrolled at Shahid Beheshti Medical University and, at present, reside in the Toufiq Alley area of Zafraniya in Tehran.

Panic has gripped the Indian student community, prompting a formal appeal to the MEA from the Karnataka government.

One of the stranded students, Nadeem Hussain, along with his family in Bengaluru, contacted the NRI Forum for help. The forum has assured families that the situation is being closely monitored, and the students’ whereabouts and well-being are being tracked through regular phone communication.

In response to growing concerns, the embassy, in coordination with Iranian authorities, began relocating Indian students to safer locations. “We are in constant touch with Indian embassy officials as well as MEA authorities. Since there are several students from India, efforts are being made to bring them all safely home together. The Karnataka students will also be part of the evacuation exercise," Krishna told News18.

The Indian embassy in Tehran issued an advisory asking all Indian nationals and persons of Indian origin in Iran to remain indoors and stay updated through verified communication channels. A dedicated Telegram group has also been created to share real-time information and officials are being kept in the loop on developments on site.

Rohini Swamy

Rohini Swamy, Associate Editor at News18, has been a journalist for nearly two decades in the television and digital space. She covers south India for News18’s digital platform. She has previously worked with t...Read More

Rohini Swamy, Associate Editor at News18, has been a journalist for nearly two decades in the television and digital space. She covers south India for News18’s digital platform. She has previously worked with t...

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