Hyderabad: Parents of at least 1,800 students pursuing medicine and Islamic studies in Iran are worried as the country is under heavy bombardment from Israel and the United States.
The students were reportedly move to the city of Qom, 140 km south of Tehran. However, evacuation from the war-hit country remains a challenge for the Indian government.
Students reported worsening security situation as US and Israel dropped more bombs at their new location in Qom.
All India Medical Students Association (AIMSA) said on Wednesday that the students were shifted to Qom as a precautionary measure.
Panic as bombardment in Iran escalates:
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Hyderabad based journalist and editor of Urdu newspaper Syed Jaffer Hussain said, “There are a lot of students from Hyderaabd and India in Qom. I spoke to my son Zia Hussain and he’s safe. No one was present in the building that was targeted. I urge parents not to panic.”
Out of the 1,800, 1,200 are pursuing medicine and the rest are enrolled in Islamic studies programs. About 100 pilgrims are also stranded in Mashhad, 750 km east of Tehran.
Additionally, students in Urmia and at Urmia University reported that buildings nearby were struck by missiles. The escalating situation has left many students in distress and anxiety.
AIMSA officials said that they urged the Ministry of External Affairs to safely evacuate the students, preferably through a land border once it is feasible.
Advocate Syed Ali Jaffrey, Secretary of Shia companions organisation said, “When war broke out in June 2025, we were able to rescue students through Azerbaijaan border. We hope the government can airlift them by obtaining a green channel through any border country.”
On Wednesday, the union government set up a control room that can be contacted between 9 am and 9 pm to the toll free number 1800118797 in the Gulf region. Those stranded in iran can contact the Indian Embassy at +98-9128109115, +98-9128109102, +98-9128109109 and +98-9932179359.