NEW DELHI: The Indian Embassy in Tehran Monday issued an urgent advisory asking Indian nationals to avoid travelling to Iran and urging those already in the country to leave at the earliest through available transport options.Amid a rapidly worsening security situation in West Asia, the advisory follows a significant escalation in hostilities across the region over the past 24 hours, marked by missile exchanges, airstrikes on strategic targets and renewed military action involving Israel and Iran. The developments have raised concerns over regional stability and the safety of foreign nationals in the conflict zone.“In view of the latest developments in the region, the Embassy reiterates its earlier advice to all Indian Nationals to avoid any travel to Iran. Indian Nationals presently in Iran are also advised to exit the country by available means of transport,” the Indian Embassy in Tehran said on Monday.
The unending war?
Israel and Iran exchanged fire on Monday as their conflict entered its 100th day, placing an already fragile ceasefire under severe strain and increasing fears of a wider regional confrontation.Adding to concerns over maritime security, the Iran-backed Houthis announced a ban on Israeli shipping through the Red Sea, one of the world’s most important trade and shipping routes, according to The Jerusalem Post.The latest military exchanges included an attack on an Iranian petrochemical facility, while Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said it had targeted two Israeli military bases. The strikes took place only hours after US President Donald Trump reportedly urged Israel not to retaliate against Iranian missile attacks.
Escalation follows strikes and counterstrikes
The latest flare-up followed Israeli airstrikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs on Sunday. Iran subsequently launched retaliatory strikes, setting off a fresh cycle of attacks and counterattacks that continued into Monday.The renewed violence has cast doubt over ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the conflict, which began on February 28. Analysts fear the latest escalation could undermine attempts to secure a broader political settlement and derail negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme.
Trump’s diplomatic push faces setback
The resurgence of hostilities presents a major challenge for Trump, who has been pressing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to show restraint and avoid actions that could trigger a broader regional war.The US President recently underscored his role in diplomatic efforts, stating in an interview that he “calls the shots”.Trump suggested that Netanyahu would eventually have little choice but to accept a negotiated settlement, warning that continued military retaliation would only prolong instability.“If Bibi strikes them back, it’s just going to keep going like the last 47 years, or the last 3,000 years.”
White House urges return to negotiations
The latest escalation came as Trump continued to publicly advocate de-escalation through multiple media appearances.Speaking to Fox News, he expressed frustration that the military exchanges had occurred at a time when diplomatic progress appeared within reach.“We’re very close. I would say an agreement would be signed on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday of this coming week. And now this takes place,” Trump told Fox News, before directly addressing the leadership in Tehran. “You’ve shot your missiles, that’s enough. Get back to the table and make a deal.”According to Axios, Trump also held a telephone conversation with Netanyahu shortly after Iran launched its initial missile barrage in an effort to prevent a broader conflict. The report, citing a US official, said the President sought to reduce pressure for a retaliatory response by downplaying the impact of the strikes.“The Iranian strikes didn’t hurt anybody. Hopefully Israel is not going to retaliate.”
Netanyahu cannot block a deal, says Trump
In a separate interview with the Financial Times, Trump maintained that Netanyahu would not be able to prevent a wider agreement between Washington and Tehran.“He won’t have any choice.”The remarks came as diplomatic efforts continued amid mounting uncertainty over whether the latest military escalation would further complicate negotiations or push the region closer to a broader conflict.