Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi/Tehran

New Delhi/Tehran, Jan 5: India on Monday issued an advisory urging its citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Iran following widespread protests over the sharp depreciation of the rial, the country’s national currency.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) asked Indian nationals and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) currently in Iran to exercise caution, steer clear of protest areas, and monitor updates via the Indian Embassy in Tehran’s website and social media channels. Residents on visas were advised to register with the embassy if they had not already done so.

Clashes between demonstrators and Iranian security forces in several cities have reportedly resulted in multiple deaths, raising safety concerns for foreign nationals in the country.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump, speaking aboard Air Force One while returning from Mar-a-Lago, warned Iran against using lethal force to suppress protests. “If they start killing people as they have in the past, I think they’re going to get hit very hard by the United States,” he said, emphasizing that Washington is closely monitoring the situation. Trump did not specify the form of any potential US response or outline immediate measures, but his remarks underlined heightened vigilance by the US in the region.

The advisory from India and Trump’s warning come amid escalating tensions in Iran, where economic grievances have sparked large-scale demonstrations, and authorities have responded with security crackdowns. Both governments have signalled close attention to the unfolding situation while urging caution for those on the ground.