NB Explains | Why did India advise its citizens not to travel to Israel, Iran?

New Delhi, April 13: Amid the escalating tensions in West Asia, India issued an advisory to Indians not to travel to Iran and Israel till further notice, “in view of the prevailing situation in the region”.

“All those who are currently residing in Iran or Israel are requested to get in touch with Indian Embassies there and register themselves,” the MEA advisory said. It added, "They are also requested to observe utmost precautions about their safety and restrict their movements to the minimum."

Escalating Iran-Israel tensions

The tension between both the countries escalated after Tehran accused Israel of an airstrike on a diplomatic building in Damascus, Syria, which resulted in the death of top Iranian military officials, including Mohammad Reza Zahedi, a senior commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ elite Quds Force.

Notably, Zahedi was directly responsible for managing Iran’s relationships with Lebanese Hezbollah, the Syrian government and Shia militias in the country, and Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad in Gaza and the West Bank.

Also Read: While tensions mound between Iran-Israel, Berlin authorities halt Pro-Palestine event over security concerns

While Israel has not claimed responsibility for the attack, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Wednesday that Israel “must be punished and it shall be”. In response, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu proclaimed: “Whoever harms us, we will harm them. We are prepared to meet all of the security needs of the State of Israel, both defensively and offensively.”

Apart from India, other countries advise not to travel to Iran & Israel

The US State Department on Thursday warned Americans in Israel not to travel outside major cities. The French and the Russians too issued travel advisories on Friday, with the French asking its citizens “to completely refrain” from travelling to Israel, Iran, Lebanon and the Palestinian territories, and the Russians telling citizens not to travel to “the Middle East, especially Israel, Lebanon, and Palestine”.

So, what will Iran do?

Amid Israel-Iran tension, the US has moved its warships into position in the region, according to international media.

Besides, Israel is on high alert for a potential direct attack from Iran, which could occur in the southern or northern regions within the next 24 to 48 hours, according to reports. Although an individual briefed by Iranian leadership mentioned that attack plans are under discussion, a final decision has not been made yet.

US intelligence earlier indicated that an attack on Israeli assets by Iran or its proxies was likely imminent. However, it now seems the attack might take place within Israel's borders. American intelligence reports suggest an Iranian retaliatory strike could happen within days, potentially on Israeli soil