Iran is grappling with widespread and escalating protests that began on December 28, 2025, primarily triggered by severe economic hardship, including the devaluation of the rial and high inflation. These demonstrations have rapidly spread across all 31 provinces and are considered the most significant challenge to the Islamic Republic since the 1979 revolution and the 2022-23 'Woman, Life, Freedom' movement. The Iranian regime has responded with an unprecedented and brutal crackdown, with human rights groups and international media reporting thousands of protester deaths. Estimates of those killed range from 2,000 to possibly 20,000 by mid-January 2026, leading to international condemnation. Hospitals are reportedly overwhelmed, and internet blackouts are in place to limit information flow. Amidst this internal unrest, geopolitical tensions have dramatically risen. Iran has issued stern warnings to its neighbors, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Turkey, stating that any US military bases on their soil would be targeted if Washington were to launch an attack on Iran. In response, the United States, under President Donald Trump, has made threats of military intervention if the crackdown continues, cancelled meetings with Iranian officials, and advised its citizens to leave Iran immediately. The US has also reportedly withdrawn some personnel from key military bases in the Middle East as a precautionary measure and established an air defense coordination cell in Qatar. Diplomatic contact between Washington and Tehran is reportedly severed. For India, the situation has prompted significant concern. On January 14, 2026, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs issued a fresh and urgent advisory, reiterating an earlier one from January 5, urging its approximately 10,000 nationals in Iran—including students, pilgrims, and business persons—to leave the country by available commercial flights due to the evolving and unstable security situation. Indian citizens have been advised to exercise extreme caution, avoid protest areas, and maintain contact with the Indian Embassy in Tehran. Several European nations have also summoned Iranian envoys to protest the violent suppression of demonstrations.