First flight from Tehran brings stranded citizens home safely.

Emotions ran high at the Indira Gandhi International Airport late Friday night as the first flight carrying Indian citizens from Iran touched down safely. Families waited anxiously to welcome their loved ones, ending days of uncertainty caused by the rapidly deteriorating security situation in the Middle Eastern nation.

Several Indian nationals return from Iran following urgent travel advisories issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The passengers, comprising students, pilgrims, and tourists, arrived on Mahan Air flight W5-071 from Tehran. Their return marks the beginning of a larger effort to ensure the safety of Indians stranded in the region amid widespread anti-government protests.

Recounting the volatile ground reality, returnees described a tense atmosphere marked by communication blackouts and restricted movement. One passenger shared his relief upon landing, praising the proactive measures taken by the Indian embassy.

"Conditions are difficult there. However, the Government of India cooperated immensely, and the Embassy provided crucial information to help us leave early. 'Modi ji hai toh har cheez mumkin hai' (If Modi is there, everything is possible)," the passenger told news agencies.

Another citizen revealed the challenges faced due to the internet shutdown, which made contacting anxious families back home nearly impossible. He noted that while they were safe for most of their stay, the last two weeks saw protesters blocking roads and causing disruptions, creating a sense of panic.

The MEA had earlier advised Indian nationals to leave Iran through commercial routes, citing the "evolving situation." This follows weeks of unrest in Iran triggered by economic hardships and a plunging national currency, which sparked demonstrations across multiple provinces.

Relatives waiting at the terminal expressed deep gratitude. A family member of a returning pilgrim said they had lost contact for three days due to network outages but remained confident in the government's support.

Officials have confirmed that they are closely monitoring the developments. Data on students stranded in various Iranian provinces is being collated to facilitate further assistance if required.