Will Indian Nationals Be Evacuated From Iran Amid Protests? Exclusive From Intelligence Sources

Last Updated:January 11, 2026, 16:03 IST

“New Delhi is working out viability of evacuation amid blackouts and flight suspensions,” said top intelligence sources

Since protests began in late December, at least 40+ people have been killed and over 2,200 detained, according to rights groups reporting deaths and arrests linked to violent crackdowns by security forces. (Image: AFP)

Amid protests in Iran, New Delhi is closely monitoring developments and assessing risk to Indian nationals.

“New Delhi is already working out viability of evacuation amid blackouts and flight suspensions. Demonstrations have spread to 180 cities across all 31 provinces, with participation estimates peaking between 1.5 and 1.8 million people nationwide," said top intelligence sources.

Nationwide protests challenging Iran’s theocracy saw protesters flood the streets in the country’s capital and its second-largest city into Sunday, crossing the two-week mark as violence surrounding the demonstrations has killed at least 116 people, activists said.

With the internet down in Iran and phone lines cut off, gauging the demonstrations from abroad has grown more difficult. But the death toll in the protests has grown, while 2,600 others have been detained, according to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency.

Meanwhile, Iran’s parliament speaker warned the US military and Israel would be “legitimate targets" if America strikes the Islamic Republic, as threatened by President Donald Trump.

Protests in Iran are active, but divided with flash demonstrations continuing across multiple cities. Participation is low under arrests, curfews, and communication blackouts, but anti-regime sentiment widespread.

“The regime change in Iran seems unlikely right now. The real authority resides with the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and the coercive action done by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Iran is designed in such a way that that the regime will survive even if the government collapses," said sources.

“Because IRGC is involved in all major businesses, defection is unlikely. Officers are not just soldiers but they are stakeholders in the system’s survival," they said.

“The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps remains strong with an estimated 125,000–150,000 personnel. They also control Basij militia, which is up to 1 million. The command is firmly held by Hossein Salami, with expeditionary operations under Esmail Qaani. Both, considered hardliners, are loyal directly to the Supreme Leader," they said.

The IRGC controls 30-40% of Iran’s economy through construction, energy, ports, telecom, and sanctions-bypass networks.

With PTI Inputs

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