In response to reports circulating on social media, Iran has officially denied the arrest of Indian nationals during the recent unrest in the country. The Iranian ambassador to India has dismissed these claims as "fake news" and urged the public to rely on credible sources for information.
The denial follows social media posts alleging that Iranian police had detained 16 foreign nationals, including 6 Indians and 10 Afghans, along with Iranian citizens, for inciting riots in Abadan, Khuzestan Province. Ambassador Mohammad Fathali addressed these reports directly, stating that the information circulating on foreign social media accounts was "totally false".
These rumors surfaced amidst ongoing protests in Iran, which initially began on December 28, 2025, due to economic hardships and have since evolved into anti-government demonstrations. Reports indicate that the unrest has resulted in a significant number of casualties and detentions. The Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reported over 2,600 detainees and 538 deaths due to crackdowns involving live ammunition.
Adding to the tensions, Iran has accused foreign media outlets of spreading misinformation about the situation within the country. President Masoud Pezeshkian has alleged that the United States and Israel are backing rioters and bringing in terrorists from abroad to carry out acts of sabotage. Simultaneously, Iran has warned that US military bases could become legitimate targets if President Trump intervenes in support of the protesters.
Meanwhile, the All India Medical Students Association (AIMSA) and the Federation of All India Medical Associations (FAIMA) have issued statements confirming the safety of Indian students in Iran. These organizations have been in direct contact with students across Iran and have assured families that there is no need to panic. Dr. Mohammad Momin Khan, Vice President of AIMSA and FAIMA, stated that senior officials and the Indian Embassy are closely monitoring the situation and maintaining constant communication with students and local authorities to ensure their well-being. These associations have pledged to provide timely updates to prevent the spread of misinformation and alleviate any unnecessary anxiety among families in India.
The Indian government has not confirmed the reports of arrests, and the Ministry of External Affairs' travel advisory for Iran only includes general safety precautions without mentioning any detentions. This is not the first time Iran has faced such rumors; similar denials were issued regarding Indian nationals in June 2025 amidst tensions involving Israel and the U.S.
