Amid escalating tensions in Iran, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah spoke with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Thursday regarding the safety and well-being of students from the Union Territory currently studying in Iran. Abdullah initiated the conversation in response to the "evolving situation" in Iran, which has caused widespread concern for the safety of J&K residents.

Abdullah conveyed his concerns about the students and other residents of Jammu and Kashmir in Iran. Jaishankar provided an assessment of the situation and outlined the External Affairs Ministry's plans to address the concerns. Abdullah expressed his gratitude for the assurance that all necessary measures would be taken to safeguard the interests and lives of the students and other people from J&K currently in Iran. He conveyed this sentiment in a post on X, expressing his appreciation for Jaishankar's reassurances.

The situation in Iran has become increasingly volatile, triggering deep concern and anxiety among parents back home. Thousands of Indian students, a significant number from Kashmir, are currently stranded in Iran. Many families are deeply worried due to the prevailing uncertainty.

India had already asked its citizens in Iran to leave the country, advising against any travel to Iran given the rising tensions. The Indian embassy in Tehran has urged all Indian nationals, including students, pilgrims, business persons, and tourists, to depart Iran using available commercial means. They were also advised to keep their travel and immigration documents, including passports, readily accessible and those with resident visas were asked to register with the Embassy.

Former Chief Minister and President of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mehbooba Mufti, has also appealed for urgent intervention. She has requested S. Jaishankar and the Ministry of External Affairs to act swiftly to ensure the safe return of the stranded students, emphasizing the distress faced by anxious parents.

Jammu and Kashmir accounts for a significant number of students enrolled in Iranian academic programs, especially in medical courses like MBBS, with a majority hailing from the Kashmir Valley. Besides students, many Shia Muslims from Jammu and Kashmir travel to Iran annually to visit religious shrines and historical sites. Dozens of Kashmiri Shia pilgrims are reportedly in Iran, with their families anxiously awaiting their safe return.