India issues fresh travel advisory, asks citizens to avoid going to THIS country: 'Carefully consider...'

The Indian embassy in Iran issued a travel advisory early on Wednesday, urging Indian nationals to avoid non-essential travel to the Middle Eastern country. The advisory comes amid security concerns in the region over the past several weeks. "In view of the security-related developments over the past several weeks, Indian nationals are advised to carefully consider the evolving situation before undertaking non-essential travel to Iran," the Indian embassy said in a post on X. The embassy also advised citizens to "continue to monitor the latest regional developments and follow updated advisories issued by the Indian authorities."

Why has advisory been issued?
For Indian nationals currently in Iran who wish to return, the embassy has noted that options are available. "Indian nationals already in Iran, and interested in leaving, may avail the commercial flight and ferry options which are available right now," it said. The advisory follows a sharp spike in regional hostilities that began with Israel's launch of 'Operation Rising Lion' on June 13, bombing key Iranian military and nuclear facilities. In response, Tehran retaliated with missile and drone attacks against Israeli targets. The United States, in support for Israel, retaliated with attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan on June 22. The Iranian Armed Forces launched retaliatory strikes, across Israel and on a US military airbase in Qatar.

Why did Iran-Israel war erupt?
The 12-day war came to an end on June 24 when Israel declared a unilateral halt to its aggression, announced on its behalf by US President Donald Trump. Washington maintains that Iran's uranium enrichment programme could lead to developing nuclear bombs, while Tehran has consistently denied the claim, insisting that its nuclear programme is meant for civilian purposes. In July 2015, the Iran nuclear agreement, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), was signed between Iran and several world powers, including the US. The agreement capped Tehran's enrichment level at 3.67 percent and reduced its uranium stockpile to 300 kilograms. The deal collapsed in 2018 with Trump's unilateral withdrawal of the US from the accord.