As Iran experiences increasing military strikes between Israel and Iran, hundreds of Indian students, mostly from Jammu and Kashmir, are stuck in a condition of anxiety and tiredness. As violence gets closer to their dorms and apartments, students—many of whom are enrolled in medical studies at schools like Shahid Beheshti University and Iran University of Medical Science—report restless nights, frequent explosions, and an increasing sense of panic.
Third-year MBBS student Imtisal Mohidin of Tehran’s Shahid Beheshti University recounted hearing bombs around 2:30 in the morning and running to the basement for protection. He stated, “We haven’t slept in three days,” and that one explosion happened about five kilometers from their home. Classes have been suspended at the institution, and because of the continuous shelling, students are now restricted to basements and are not allowed to move.
It is not just Tehran that is afraid. The general fear was highlighted by Faizan Nabi, a first-year student at Kerman University of Medical Sciences, who described hearing gunfire in his city and being told to stockpile drinking water for several days. Slow internet hinders communication, which makes it hard for students to stay in touch with their families, who are anxiously waiting for safety updates.
The students’ demands for evacuation have become more urgent as Iranian airspace is barred and there is no sign of when the violence may stop. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs and the administration of Jammu and Kashmir have acknowledged the situation and promised that the safety of the students will be the primary consideration when making an evacuation decision, which will be based on the circumstances on the ground.
As the battle rages around them, Indian students in Iran are currently stuck in limbo, hiding in basements, terrified, and waiting for a safe way home.
