The US and Israel launched an attack on Iran on Saturday, with the first apparent strike near the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Associated Press reported. Iranian media reported nationwide strikes and smoke could be seen rising from the capital, the report said.
The Indian Embassy in Iran on Saturday issued an advisory for Indian nationalsurging them to take “extreme caution” and avoid being outdoors. The Indian Embassy in Iran has also issued emergency contact details for people to contact.
“In view of the evolving situation, all Indian nationals in Iraq are advised to exercise utmost caution, avoid unnecessary movement and stay indoors if possible. Indians may also continue to monitor reports, maintain situational awareness and await further instructions from the Indian Embassy.” the embassy said in a post on X.
The embassy’s emergency contact details are listed below:
The alert was issued soon after Israel said it had launched a preemptive military strike against Iran on Saturday.
President Donald Trump he also said in a video posted on social media that the US had launched “major combat operations in Iran”. Trump wanted a deal to curb Iran’s nuclear program and sees an opportunity as the country grapples with growing dissent at home after nationwide protests, the Associated Press reported.
Iran had hoped to avert war, but says it has the right to enrich uranium and does not want to discuss other issues, such as its long-range missile program or support for armed groups such as Hamas and Hezbollahan AP report said.
It was not immediately clear whether Iran would attack immediately, but he warned against it US Army personnel and bases spread throughout the region would be the target of any retaliation.
Iran has closed its airspace and cut off cell phone services. The warning to pilots came as explosions rang out in Tehran, the capital of Iran.
“Khamenei offices in Tehran targeted”
The AP cites citestate TV as indicating that an explosion was reported near Khamenei’s offices. Authorities closed roads to his compound in central Tehran as more explosions rang out across the capital, the agency said.
Iranian officials, as quoted by a local daily, said he was not in Tehran at the time of the strike and had been taken to a safe location.
