Leave Iran, India tells its nationals

WITH US PRESIDENT Donald Trump indicating a military option against the Iranian regime which threatened to strike US bases in West Asia if attacked, tension mounted in the region on Wednesday and the Indian embassy in Tehran asked Indian nationals to leave Iran.

- SHUBHAJIT ROY

The embassy also asked Indians to avoid areas where protests are taking place.

It asked them to register with the embassy. These steps are being taken to gather information on the exact number of Indians who might need help, and their current location. According to official estimates, about 10,000 Indians are living in Iran. They are spread all over the country, from religious seminaries in Qom to medical colleges in Tehran.

In an interview with CBS News, Trump promised “very strong action” if Iran executes protesters. “If they hang them, you are going to see some things,” he said. In a social media post, he also urged Iranians to keep protesting and take over institutions, declaring “help is on its way”.

The US President’s remarks suggested that a military option was being weighed against Iran which has been roiled by street protests. Iranian authorities are cracking down on the protesters and, according to rights groups monitoring the situation, over 2,000 people have been killed.