After days of uncertainty and fear, relief finally arrived for several Indian families late Friday night. Two flights carrying Indian citizens stranded in unrest-hit Iran landed in New Delhi from Tehran around midnight, marking the first phase of bringing Indian nationals back. Many passengers recalled terrifying scenes of protests and fires burning on the streets as they described the situation they left behind.
Several returnees spoke about the anxiety of being unable to contact their families during the turmoil. However, officials clarified that multiple Indians staying in Iran for work, studies, and other purposes returned on regular commercial flights, not on government-operated rescue aircraft. The Centre has stated that it remains alert to all kinds of emergencies.
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Indians return as Iran faces unrest and internet shutdown
After the Tehran flight landed at Indira Gandhi International Airport, smiles appeared on many families’ faces as they reunited with their loved ones. Several returnees thanked the Indian government and the embassy for their support. One passenger said that the Indian Embassy in Tehran had supported them from the very beginning as the situation started deteriorating, remained in constant touch, and kept alerting Indian citizens about returning to the country.
A medical student who had gone to Iran for studies said the movement did not directly affect them, but the nationwide internet shutdown caused serious difficulties. The student explained that the government had shut down internet services across the country during the crackdown, and although protests were taking place nearby, they were unable to understand what was happening due to the lack of information.
Another Indian who stayed in Iran for about a month said the situation had turned extremely turbulent over the past two weeks. He recalled that whenever they stepped out, protesters would often surround vehicles and create disturbances. He also said the internet blackout made it difficult for him to stay in touch with his family and contact the Indian embassy.
An engineer who had travelled to Tehran for work for a few days said the situation had somewhat normalised by the time he left the country, although the internet services were still shut. He added that even a week earlier, the protests and the subsequent crackdown had been extremely intense.
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Global reactions intensify amid crackdown and political messaging
Meanwhile, international reactions continued to unfold. US President Donald Trump, who had earlier escalated his tone, appeared to signal a brief retreat. The White House responded with thanks after Tehran reportedly conveyed a conciliatory message. Washington claimed that Iran had temporarily cancelled executions of protesters, a move that Trump publicly acknowledged on Truth Social, where he said he respected Iran’s decision and welcomed the reported cancellation of the scheduled executions of 800 protesters, while expressing gratitude for the step taken.
However, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Hosseini Khamenei maintained a hardline stance. Appearing publicly amid the unrest, he again blamed the United States for instigating the volatile situation. He accused US President Donald Trump of wrongdoing and said that the United States had repeatedly encouraged efforts to destabilise Iran’s government, holding the US responsible for numerous deaths. He also warned of further action against the opposition. Multiple media reports have claimed that the Khamenei government allegedly hired 5,000 Iraqi fighters to suppress the protests. Later that night, Trump added to the tension by remarking that Iraq needs new leadership.
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A US-based human rights organisation reported that the death toll in Iran has reached 3,095 over the past three weeks due to the ongoing unrest. Trump had earlier warned that consequences would follow if even one protester was executed.
Harsh suppression continues against the anti-government movement that began in the last week of 2025. Internet services remain shut down in many areas, and flights were disrupted earlier when Iran temporarily closed its airspace, fearing airstrikes. While the exact number of Indians who returned on Friday night is unclear, sources say at least 9,000 Indian nationals are still in Iran. New Delhi has stated that its repatriation is under serious consideration.
