India Urges Nationals to ‘Leave Iran’ Amid Rising US-Iran Tensions

New Delhi: India has advised its nationals in Iran to leave the country amid fears of a military escalation between Iran and the United States, while fresh nuclear talks between the two sides are scheduled for February 26 in Geneva.

The Indian Embassy in Iran issued helpline numbers and asked Indians to keep passports and travel documents ready, register with the mission, avoid protest-hit areas and stay in contact for assistance. The government reiterated a January advisory urging caution as tensions persist.

The development comes as the European Union’s foreign policy chief called for a diplomatic solution and Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian said earlier talks with the US had yielded “encouraging signals”.

Washington and Tehran have already held two rounds of indirect talks in Oman and Switzerland. Oman’s foreign minister Badr al-Busaidi confirmed the next round in Geneva, though there has been no US comment.

A senior Iranian official said Tehran could consider concessions on its nuclear programme if sanctions are lifted and its uranium enrichment rights recognised.

Oil prices fell about 1% on Monday ahead of the talks, easing fears of imminent conflict. Brent crude dropped to about $71 a barrel and US West Texas Intermediate to around $65.75.

Last week, former US president Donald Trump warned Iran to reach a nuclear deal within 10–15 days, even as the US continued a military buildup in the Middle East. (Agencies)