India tells citizens in Israel to stay alert as Israel-US strikes on Iran raise tensions

The Indian Embassy in Israel has urged all Indian nationals to exercise the utmost caution after Israel, along with the United States, carried out major strikes on Iran. The advisory was issued on Saturday as the security situation in the Middle East rapidly worsened, raising fears of retaliatory attacks and wider regional instability.

In its statement, the embassy asked Indians living in Israel to remain highly vigilant and strictly follow safety instructions issued by Israeli authorities and the Home Front Command. The warning comes at a time when air raid sirens have sounded across parts of Israel and military tensions with Iran have sharply increased.

Embassy issues warning

The advisory highlights the growing concern for the safety of thousands of Indians currently residing in Israel. The Indian community in the country includes students, caregivers, professionals, and workers spread across several cities. With the situation evolving quickly, officials stressed that alertness and compliance with local safety rules are essential.

The embassy specifically advised citizens to stay updated through official channels and avoid unnecessary movement in sensitive areas. It also reminded Indians to keep emergency contacts handy and remain prepared for sudden security developments.

The warning followed Israel’s large-scale strikes on Iran, including reported attacks in central Tehran. Witnesses in the Iranian capital reported loud explosions and rising plumes of smoke. Iranian state television confirmed blasts but did not immediately provide details about casualties or the full extent of the damage.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz described the operation as an effort to remove threats posed by Iran. Reports suggested that areas near the offices of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei were affected during the strikes, though there has been no official confirmation of direct damage to his office.

At the same time, Israeli authorities activated air raid sirens across major cities as a precaution against possible Iranian retaliation. The country also shut its airspace and moved to heightened security readiness.

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Region on edge

The latest developments have raised serious concerns about a broader military escalation in the Middle East. Iran has already warned that it is preparing a strong response to the strikes. Reports indicated that Tehran views US military bases and personnel in the region as potential targets.

US President Donald Trump confirmed that American forces were involved in the operation. He said the action was aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and protecting US interests and allies. Trump also issued strong warnings to Tehran, promising decisive action against Iran’s missile and naval capabilities if threats continue.

Meanwhile, Iran reportedly responded by closing its own airspace and restricting some communications in Tehran. Secondary explosions were also reported in parts of the country, suggesting the situation on the ground remains fluid.

Aviation in the region has already been affected. With Israeli airspace closed, at least one international flight from India to Tel Aviv had to be diverted. Airlines are closely monitoring the situation as further disruptions remain possible if tensions continue to rise.

Security experts say the current standoff is particularly dangerous because it combines direct military strikes with the long-running dispute over Iran’s nuclear programme. Talks over Tehran’s uranium enrichment activities have remained stalled, while concerns about Iran’s missile capabilities and its support for regional proxy groups continue to fuel mistrust.

For India, the immediate priority is the safety of its citizens. Officials in New Delhi are closely monitoring the situation and remain in contact with missions across the region. While no evacuation has been announced so far, contingency planning is believed to be underway in case conditions worsen.

The embassy has urged Indians not to panic but to remain alert and prepared. Citizens have been advised to rely only on verified information and avoid spreading rumours that could create confusion.

With both Israel and Iran exchanging strong warnings and military activity continuing, the coming days will be crucial. Any further escalation could have serious consequences not only for the region but also for global security and travel.

For now, Indian nationals in Israel have been told to stay cautious, follow official guidance, and prioritise personal safety as the volatile situation continues to unfold.