Insights

Iran-Israel War News Updates: 1,000 Indian Students Moved Out of Tehran, to Be Brought Back in 3 Flights

Stay informed with the latest Iran-Israel war news updates, including India’s rapid evacuation of 1,000 students from Tehran and what these developments signal for regional stability and global diplomacy.

Shivam Choudhary

20 Jun 2025 — 8 min read

Introduction: A Tense Escape from a War Zone

Imagine being a student abroad when the skies suddenly light up with missiles.
For over 1,000 Indian students in Iran, this nightmare became reality as the Iran–Israel conflict intensified in June 2025.

The Indian government swiftly responded with Operation Sindhu, a mission to ensure their safety.
In a remarkable move, Iran-Israel war news updates: 1,000 Indian students moved out of Tehran, to be brought back in 3 flights became a beacon of hope for families back home.

This article dives into the heart of the crisis—why it matters, how India is navigating the chaos, and what’s next for those caught in the crossfire.

What Sparked the Iran-Israel Conflict?

The Iran-Israel war erupted on June 13, 2025, when Israeli airstrikes targeted Iranian nuclear and military sites. Iran responded with missile barrages, marking the start of a tit-for-tat escalation. According to reports, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to “strike all nuclear facilities” in Iran, while Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rejected calls for surrender, intensifying the conflict.

This isn’t just a regional skirmish—it’s a clash with global stakes. The conflict has raised fears of a broader Middle East war, with the U.S. weighing involvement and allies like Hezbollah pledging support for Iran. For Indian students in Tehran, the conflict turned their academic haven into a danger zone, prompting urgent action from India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

Why Were Indian Students in Iran?

Iran hosts over 4,000 Indian nationals, with roughly half being students, many studying medicine at universities in Tehran, Mashhad, and Urmia. Affordable education, quality medical programs, and cultural ties make Iran a popular destination for Indian students, particularly from Jammu and Kashmir. However, the sudden escalation of the Iran-Israel war news updates: 1,000 Indian students moved out of Tehran, to be brought back in 3 flights highlighted the risks of studying in a geopolitically sensitive region.

Affordable Tuition: Iranian universities offer medical degrees at a fraction of the cost compared to private institutions in India.
Cultural Connections: Historical ties between India and Iran foster a welcoming environment for Indian students.
Quality Education: Institutions like Urmia University attract students with accredited programs.

But when missiles started flying, these students faced a stark reality: their safety was at risk, and evacuation became critical.

Operation Sindhu: Key Iran-Israel War News Updates on India’s Evacuation Mission

India launched Operation Sindhu on June 17, 2025, to evacuate its citizens from Iran amid the worsening conflict. The operation’s first phase saw 110 students moved from northern Iran to Armenia by road, arriving in Delhi on June 19. Now, the focus is on Iran-Israel war news updates: 1,000 Indian students moved out of Tehran, to be brought back in 3 flights. These flights, operated by Mahan Air, are a lifeline for students stranded in Mashhad and Tehran.

First Flight: Landed in Delhi at 11:00 PM IST on June 20, carrying approximately 300 students.
Second and Third Flights: Scheduled for Saturday, June 21, one in the morning and another in the evening.
Special Exception: Iran eased its airspace restrictions, closed due to the conflict, to allow these evacuation flights for India.

The Indian Embassy in Tehran, working with Iranian authorities, coordinated the safe relocation of students to safer areas before their departure. This diplomatic effort underscores India’s commitment to its citizens abroad.

How Did Students Experience the Conflict?

For students like Maaz Haider, a first-year medical student at Urmia University, the conflict was terrifying. “We could see missiles. There was a war going on,” he told reporters upon arriving in Delhi. Another student, Mir Khalif, described Tehran as “in ruins,” with explosions rocking the city. The fear was palpable, but the Indian Embassy’s swift action provided relief.

Fear and Uncertainty: Students reported hearing bombs and seeing missiles, with some dormitories hit by Israeli strikes.
Embassy Support: Embassy officials were described as treating students “like family,” ensuring their safe passage to Armenia and now back to India.
Emotional Toll: Parents like Haider Ali expressed gratitude but remained anxious for those still stranded in Tehran.

These firsthand accounts highlight the human cost of the conflict and the urgency of Iran-Israel war news updates: 1,000 Indian students moved out of Tehran, to be brought back in 3 flights.

Why Did Iran Allow These Evacuation Flights?

Despite closing its airspace to most international flights due to ongoing missile exchanges, Iran made a rare exception for India. This decision reflects strong diplomatic ties between the two nations. Iranian officials assured India that all its citizens were safe, except for a few injured in an Israeli strike on a Tehran dormitory. The three Mahan Air flights from Mashhad to Delhi are a testament to this cooperation.

Diplomatic Relations: India and Iran share historical and economic ties, facilitating this exception.
Humanitarian Gesture: Iran’s foreign ministry worked closely with the Indian mission to ensure student safety.
Logistical Coordination: The flights were carefully planned to avoid conflict zones, with Iranian airlines stepping up to assist.

This move has been praised on platforms like X, with users noting India’s diplomatic success in securing safe passage for its citizens.

What’s the Current State of the Iran-Israel Conflict?

According to the latest Iran-Israel War News Updates, India coordinated with Mahan Air as of June 20, 2025, the conflict shows no signs of abating. Israel has conducted strikes on Tehran’s nuclear facilities, missile production sites, and even a hospital, while Iran has retaliated with hypersonic missiles targeting Tel Aviv and Haifa. The death toll is staggering: at least 639 in Iran and 24 in Israel, mostly civilians.

Israeli Strategy: Israel claims “full aerial superiority” over Tehran and aims to destabilize Iran’s regime.
Iran’s Response: Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps reported using Fattah-1 hypersonic missiles, claiming control over Israeli airspace.
Global Implications: The U.S. is considering intervention, with President Trump giving a two-week deadline for diplomacy before deciding on military action.

The conflict’s escalation complicates evacuation efforts, making Iran-Israel war news updates: 1,000 Indian students moved out of Tehran, to be brought back in 3 flights a critical priority.

How Is India Ensuring Citizen Safety?

Beyond the evacuation flights, India has taken multiple steps to protect its nationals in Iran and Israel. The MEA has set up a 24/7 control room in New Delhi and emergency helplines through the Indian Embassy in Tehran. Students are advised to stay vigilant and avoid conflict zones.This rescue highlights why Iran-Israel War News Updates dominate headlines in India.

Helplines: The embassy provides round-the-clock support for Indian nationals.
Relocation: Students were moved from high-risk areas like Tehran to safer cities like Mashhad before evacuation.
Ongoing Efforts: More flights are planned if needed, ensuring all who wish to leave can do so.

India’s proactive approach has been lauded, with students like Sheikh Afsa praising the government for evacuating them “from their doors.”

What Are the Challenges of Evacuation?

Evacuating 1,000 students from a war zone is no small feat. The ongoing conflict, closed airspace, and logistical hurdles pose significant challenges. Despite these, India’s coordination with Iran and Armenia has been effective.

Closed Airspace: Iran’s airspace restrictions limited commercial flights, requiring special permissions for Mahan Air.
Safety Risks: Missile strikes and anti-aircraft fire in Tehran made relocation dangerous.
Emotional Strain: Students faced jet lag, fear, and uncertainty, with some still stranded in conflict zones.

The success of Iran-Israel war news updates: 1,000 Indian students moved out of Tehran, to be brought back in 3 flights highlights India’s ability to overcome these obstacles.

How Are Other Countries Responding?

The Iran-Israel conflict has prompted global action. Several countries have suspended embassy operations in Tehran or issued evacuation warnings:

Czech Republic: Temporarily closed its Tehran embassy.
Australia: Suspended embassy operations and urged citizens to leave Iran.
France: Arranged convoys for citizens to exit via Turkey or Armenia.

India’s Operation Sindhu stands out for its scale and speed, particularly in securing Iran-Israel war news updates: 1,000 Indian students moved out of Tehran, to be brought back in 3 flights.

What’s Next for Indian Students?

With the first flight already landed and two more scheduled, the focus is on bringing all 1,000 students home safely. The Indian government has pledged to continue Operation Sindhu until all willing nationals are evacuated. However, some students remain in Tehran, and their safety is a priority.Students and parents back in Delhi followed every Iran-Israel War News Update with anxiety.

Future Flights: Additional flights may be organized if more students need evacuation.
Support Systems: The MEA is providing counseling and logistical support for returning students.
Long-Term Plans: India may issue travel advisories to prevent future risks for students in volatile regions.

Iran-Israel War News Updates – Frequently Asked Questions

What is Operation Sindhu?

Operation Sindhu is India’s mission to evacuate its citizens from Iran amid the Iran-Israel conflict. It began on June 17, 2025, with 110 students moved to Armenia, followed by Iran-Israel war news updates: 1,000 Indian students moved out of Tehran, to be brought back in 3 flights. Learn more about the evacuation process.According to the latest Iran-Israel War News Updates, India coordinated with Mahan Air.

Why are Indian students in Iran?

Over 4,000 Indian nationals, mostly medical students, live in Iran due to affordable education and quality programs. The conflict disrupted their studies, leading to their evacuation. See why students choose Iran.

How is India evacuating its students?

India is using chartered Mahan Air flights from Mashhad to Delhi, with Iran easing airspace restrictions. The first flight landed on June 20, with two more scheduled for June 21. Read about the evacuation challenges.Students and parents back in Delhi followed every Iran-Israel War News Update with anxiety.

Is it safe for Indian students in Iran now?

While many students have been moved to safer areas, some remain in Tehran, where the situation is tense. The Indian Embassy is providing support and helplines. Explore India’s safety measures.

How long will the Iran-Israel conflict last?

The conflict, now in its eighth day, shows no immediate resolution. Diplomatic efforts are ongoing, but escalation continues. Check the latest conflict updates.This rescue highlights why Iran-Israel War News Updates dominate headlines in India.

What caused the Iran-Israel war?

The conflict began with Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites on June 13, 2025, followed by Iran’s missile retaliation. Both sides have intensified attacks since. Understand the conflict’s origins.