Iran-Israel Conflict Escalates: Over 240 Dead in 3 Days, India May Launch Rescue Operation

Rising civilian toll prompts Indian government to consider evacuation of students from Iran amid worsening regional conflict

New Delhi: June 16, 2025

Tensions in West Asia have escalated dramatically as missile attacks between Iran and Israel intensify, leaving more than 240 people dead in just three days. According to Iran’s Ministry of Health, Israeli airstrikes have killed over 230 civilians and injured hundreds more. Meanwhile, Iranian missile and drone attacks have led to at least 16 deaths and over 100 injuries in Israel, local authorities confirmed.

What Has Happened in the Last Three Days?

Iran’s Massive Strike on Israel

Iran launched a large-scale assault on Israel, firing between 100 and 200 ballistic missiles and drones. Several high-rise buildings in Tel Aviv were destroyed, and key sites such as Haifa Port, the Negev nuclear facility, Kiryat Gat, and Israel’s largest oil refinery were targeted.
As the situation worsened, Israel declared a state of emergency, with air raid sirens sounding continuously across Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa.

Israel’s Retaliation

In response, Israel launched counterstrikes on critical Iranian infrastructure, including the Natanz nuclear facility, and missile bases in Tabriz and Kermanshah.
Israeli missile strikes reportedly aimed at military installations, prominent nuclear scientists, and senior military officials. A major explosion was also reported at a refinery in Iran, severely impacting its energy infrastructure.

Indian Students Caught in the Crossfire

Two students from Jammu & Kashmir, enrolled at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, sustained serious injuries in an Israeli airstrike that struck near the international student embassy. The incident has triggered concern in India, underscoring the heightened risks faced by Indian nationals in Iran as the conflict escalates.

India May Launch Emergency Evacuation

Given the deteriorating situation, the Indian government has issued a security advisory for all citizens in Iran. Sources indicate that a special evacuation operation may soon be initiated to ensure the safety of Indian nationals, particularly students.

Iran Allows Foreign Nationals to Exit

According to media reports, the Iranian government has granted permission for foreign nationals — including Indian citizens — to leave the country. This move is expected to facilitate India’s potential rescue efforts.

Over 10,000 Indian Students in Iran

More than 10,000 Indian students, primarily medical students, are currently residing in Iran, with a significant number hailing from Jammu & Kashmir. The Indian government is reportedly exploring evacuation routes through Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, and Afghanistan to bring them home safely.

As hostilities continue to mount, the Indian government faces growing pressure to act swiftly to protect its citizens, especially with the conflict showing no signs of de-escalation.