7 hours ago
Last Updated:June 16, 2025, 18:46 IST
Tensions flared on Friday as Israel launched Operation 'Rising Lion,' a surprise offensive that targeted Iran’s top military leadership and inflicted damage on nuclear facilities.
Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) spokesperson Effie Deffrin (Credits: X)
As tensions continue amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) spokesperson Effie Deffrin assured India of full cooperation in the safe evacuation of its citizens from Iran.
“We will help in whatever way possible to ensure the safe evacuation of Indian nationals from Iran," Deffrin said speaking exclusively to CNN-News18 from a site recently targeted by Iranian forces. He emphasised Israel’s commitment to minimsing the impact of the conflict on foreign nationals.
He clarified that the IDF’s primary objective remains strategic- to target Iran’s nuclear facilities and ballistic missile storage sites- and denied social media rumours claiming that Iranian forces had struck Prime Minister Netanyahu’s residence, calling them “fake news."
Deffrin also accused Iran of targeting civilian areas within Israel, saying the regime’s actions have endangered innocent lives and escalated hostilities.
At least 224 people have been killed in Israeli airstrikes across Iran, with several attacks reported on residential areas and a hospital, according to local officials. The death toll is likely to rise further as the rescue operation continues in the affected zones.
ALSO READ | Kashmiri Students Injured In Israeli Strike On Tehran Hostel; J&K MP Urges Evacuation
Meanwhile, earlier in the day, Centre assured that the Indian Embassy in Tehran was continuously monitoring the security situation and engaging Indian students in Iran to ensure their safety.
The Ministry of External Affairs, in an official statement, said, “The Indian Embassy in Tehran is continuously monitoring the security situation and engaging Indian students in Iran to ensure their safety. In some cases, students are being relocated with Embassy’s facilitation to safer places within Iran. Other feasible options are also under examination. Further updates will follow. ."
It added, “Separately, the embassy is in touch with community leaders regarding welfare and safety." The Indian embassies in Israel and Iran have issued advisories on their X handles in view of the situation.
Tensions escalated between Iran and Israel on Friday when Israel launched Operation “Rising Lion" with a surprise attack that wiped out the top echelon of Iran’s military command and damaged its nuclear sites.
J&K CM Omar Abdullah Speaks To EAM Jaishankar
The Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister on Monday spoke to the External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar regarding the evacuation of Indian students in Iran.
“Just spoke to @DrSJaishankar regarding the situation in Iran, particularly the welfare & safety of Kashmir students in the country. The Hon Minister assured me that @MEAIndia is in close contact with their counterparts in Iran & will take all necessary steps to safeguard all Indian students in Iran," he informed on X.
Evacuation Of Indian Students From Iran Underway
According to the latest update,
– Relocation completed from Tehran, Islamic Azad & Iran Medical Universities
– Shahid Beheshti students are en route to safety
– Shiraz and Isfahan evacuations are set for tomorrow
– Relocation from Urmia currently in progress
– Embassy officials working closely with universities and authorities
Location : First Published:News world 'In Whatever Way Possible': Israel Assures Safe Evacuation Of Indian Citizens From Iran
