Iran rejects reports of Indian nationals detained, ambassador calls claims ‘totally false’

ran calls arrest claims ‘totally false’, says no Indian nationals detained

• Iran's ambassador denies reports of Indian and Afghan arrests during protests
• Indian medical bodies assure safety of students in Iran, urge families to stay calm.
• Internet blackout hampers independent casualty verification amid ongoing unrest

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Iran’s Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, has dismissed as false social media reports claiming the arrest of Indian and Afghan nationals amid the ongoing unrest in the country, urging people to rely only on verified and credible sources for information.

His clarification comes at a time of heightened concern in India over the safety of Indian students in Iran, as nationwide anti-government protests continue to intensify.

In a post on X, Ambassador Fathali said, “The news circulated on some foreign X accounts about Iran’s developments is totally false. I request all interested people to get their news from the reliable sources.”

The news circulated on some foreign X accounts about Iran’s developments, is totally false. I request all interested people to get their news from the reliable sources. pic.twitter.com/mZpxZVYBXR

— Iran Ambassador Mohammad Fathali (@IranAmbIndia) January 11, 2026

He was responding to claims online alleging that Iranian police had detained “10 Afghan and 6 Indian nationals, along with their Iranian accomplices.” Iranian authorities have repeatedly accused foreign media and external actors of spreading misinformation as protests spread across the country.

Indian students safe, say medical bodies

Amid widespread anxiety among families in India, two major medical bodies, the All India Medical Students Association (AIMSA) and the Federation of All India Medical Associations (FAIMA), issued a joint reassurance stating that Indian students in Iran are safe.

“All our students are safe. There is no need to panic,” said Dr Mohammad Momin Khan, Vice President of AIMSA and the FAIMA Doctors Association, in a statement quoted by ANI.

Dr Khan said both organisations have received direct updates from students studying across Iran, many of whom personally contacted the associations to pass on messages of reassurance to their families. He added that senior officials and the Indian Embassy in Iran are closely monitoring the situation and remain in constant contact with students and local authorities.

Death toll rises amid internet blackout

Iran is facing one of its most volatile periods in years, with protests that began on December 28 over economic distress spreading across at least 30 provinces. According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), at least 538 people have been killed and more than 10,600 detained during the crackdown.

HRANA said 490 of those killed were protesters, while 48 were members of the security forces. With internet access restricted and phone lines cut in several regions, independent verification of casualties has become increasingly difficult. The Iranian government has not released official nationwide figures.

Leadership responds as tensions rise

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said authorities would listen to protesters’ concerns but warned against violence.

“People have concerns, we should sit with them and if it is our duty, we should resolve their concerns,” he said. “But the higher duty is not to allow a group of rioters to come and destroy the entire society.”

Meanwhile, Iran’s parliament has issued strong warnings to the United States and Israel. Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said American and Israeli interests would be considered “legitimate targets” in the event of military action against Iran.

The developments come amid statements from US President Donald Trump, who has expressed support for Iranian protesters, writing on Truth Social: “Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!”

As unrest continues, Indian authorities and medical associations have reiterated that there is no immediate threat to Indian nationals in Iran, while urging families to avoid panic and rely only on official updates.