India asks its citizens not to travel to Israel, Iran

New Delhi: India on Friday asked its citizens not to travel to Iran or Israel amid escalating tensions between the two countries following a strike on the Iranian consulate in Syria 11 days ago.

Iran blamed Israel for the strike and there have been fears that Tehran may launch an attack on Israel soon.

The MEA also urged all those who are currently residing in Iran or Israel to get in touch with Indian Embassies there and register themselves. “they are also requested to observe utmost precautions about their safety and restrict their movements to the minimum” the advisory read.

With this India joins France in cautioning their citizens against travelling to Israel or Iran.

Tension of  wider spread war has risen amid the West Asian countries after an Israeli air strike hit the Iranian embassy in Syria. Following the incident, Tehran has vowed to avenge the attack from Israel, asking US to ‘step aside’.

Iran has been threatening to avenge the deaths of two of its generals killed in an airstrike in the Syrian capital, Damascus, last week. Tehran blames Israel for the strike, although Israel has not commented. Israel has called up additional defense units in anticipation of an attack by either Iran or the many proxy groups it supports in the region.

Israel last week pulled its troops from the devastated city of Khan Yunis after months of fighting, but officials said they were preparing for operations against Hamas militants in Rafah, near the Egyptian border.