“Our Skies Were Filled with Drones”: Indian Students in Tehran Recall Horror Amid Escalating Israel-Iran Conflict

Tehran/New Delhi, June 17 – As tensions between Israel and Iran reached a boiling point this week, hundreds of Indian students in Tehran found themselves at the heart of a war-like crisis. In terrifying first-hand accounts, students described a night of chaos marked by drone-filled skies, power outages, and continuous explosions.

 “It was around 3:20 AM when we heard the first blast. The power went out. Drones were visible in the sky, and the condition was getting worse every minute,” said an Indian medical student from Tehran University of Medical Sciences.

🔴 Sleepless Nights, Explosions, and Fear

More than 140 Indian MBBS students were staying in dormitories near the university campus when the Iranian military launched a counter-attack on Israel in retaliation for Israeli airstrikes. This led to a night of horror as air raid sirens blared across Tehran and drones lit up the skies.

“We stayed up all night, expecting the worst. Our skies were filled with drones. There were blasts nearby. It felt like war,” said another student in a voice message shared with media.

🇮🇳 Embassy Steps In with Emergency Measures

The Indian Embassy in Tehran swiftly responded, launching dedicated helpline numbers, a Telegram support group, and reassuring students of all possible help. University officials also supported students on-site, ensuring basic safety protocols were followed.

 The Indian Mission has issued an advisory urging all nationals to stay indoors, avoid travel, and remain in contact through official embassy channels.

🛫 Calls for Urgent Evacuation

With Iran’s airspace now closed and nearby airports including Baghdad and Tel Aviv shutting down, students are pleading for early evacuation.

> “We don’t want to spend even one more night here. We trust in India’s strength and are hoping for immediate evacuation,” a student said.

✈️ Over 2,500 Indian Students Affected

India has a strong academic footprint in Iran, with over 2,500 Indian students enrolled across Tehran, Qom, Shiraz, and other cities. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has already suspended new admissions to Iran and is coordinating efforts to shift students to safer zones.

Meanwhile, international airlines have diverted or suspended flights across the Middle East, further complicating evacuation efforts.

🕊️ Hope Amid Tension: Faith in India Remains Strong

Despite rising tensions, students say they are hopeful that the Indian government will act swiftly. Many still recall how India managed evacuation operations during the Russia-Ukraine war and are looking for similar decisive action.

Israeli Minister Accuses Iran’s Supreme Leader of Directing Attacks on Israeli Civilians

Published on: June 16, 2025 | Source: The Sanatan Times News Desk

Summary: A senior Israeli cabinet minister has made serious allegations against Iran’s Supreme Leader, accusing him of directly ordering attacks on Israeli civilians — a claim that has further strained Middle East tensions.

Grave Allegations Amid Rising Hostilities

In a strong and controversial statement, a top Israeli cabinet member accused Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei of personally directing efforts to target Israeli civilians. The accusation comes amid escalating military and proxy conflicts between the two nations.

The minister did not provide detailed evidence during the public remarks but stressed that Israeli intelligence has clear indications of Iran’s hand in orchestrating recent attacks.

Iran's Growing Influence in Proxy Warfare

Iran has long been accused by Israel and Western allies of arming and funding militant groups across the region, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza. The latest statement now intensifies these concerns, raising fears of broader conflict.

The Israeli official warned that the country would hold Iran directly accountable for any harm to its citizens, calling the actions a breach of international norms and human rights.

Regional Reactions and Rising Tensions

While Iran has denied similar allegations in the past, no official response has yet been issued regarding the latest accusation. Regional powers and international bodies are watching closely as tensions simmer between Israel and Iran, two long-time adversaries with opposing geopolitical goals.

Conclusion

The development adds to the already volatile situation in the Middle East. As both sides stand firm on their narratives, diplomatic resolutions seem increasingly distant. The international community now faces mounting pressure to prevent further escalation.

For more verified news and developments in the Middle East, stay tuned to The Sanatan Times.

China's Nuclear Arsenal Grows to 600 Warheads Amid Global Arms Race: Report

China's Nuclear Arsenal Grows to 600 Warheads Amid Global Arms Race: Report

Published on: June 16, 2025 | Source: The Sanatan Times News Desk

Summary: As geopolitical tensions rise, China’s nuclear stockpile has reportedly grown to 600 warheads, according to the latest global weapons inventory released by a leading think tank. The rapid expansion comes amid fears of a new global arms race.

China's Strategic Push in Nuclear Modernization

A prominent global think tank has estimated that China now possesses up to 600 nuclear warheads — a significant increase compared to previous years. The findings were revealed in the annual global inventory of weapons, highlighting a growing trend of strategic military modernization in China.

According to the report, Beijing’s nuclear weapons program has expanded rapidly in response to perceived threats and a changing global security environment. The buildup is seen by analysts as a clear indication that China aims to achieve nuclear parity with the United States and Russia in the long term.

A New Global Arms Race?

The report warns that this development could potentially trigger a new arms race, especially as other nuclear-armed nations reassess their own arsenals. With existing treaties under strain and technological advancements accelerating, the risk of a nuclear escalation is growing.

The expansion of China’s arsenal also includes advancements in missile delivery systems, satellite-guided warheads, and the deployment of warheads across land, sea, and air platforms.

International Concerns and Strategic Balance

Global powers have expressed concern over the lack of transparency in China’s nuclear policy. While the United States and Russia continue to possess the largest nuclear stockpiles globally, the rapid growth of China's arsenal has added complexity to ongoing disarmament and arms control dialogues.

The think tank urged nations to reopen multilateral discussions and emphasized the urgent need for renewed commitments to non-proliferation and responsible defense policies.

Conclusion

As the world’s third-largest nuclear power continues to enhance its capabilities, international observers fear the destabilizing effects of unchecked weapons development. The report serves as a wake-up call for policymakers to address the rising threat and restore diplomatic channels to prevent a return to Cold War–era hostilities.

Stay connected with The Sanatan Times for more updates on global security, defense, and international affairs.

TODAY NEWS

📰 Today’s Top News — June 16, 2025

• Paris Airshow opens under a cloud of tragedy and conflict — The 2025 Paris Airshow began amid global concerns following the Air India Boeing 787 crash that killed over 240 people and rising Middle East tensions, leading to reduced Boeing presence and increased safety scrutiny 1.
• State mourning in Gujarat for Vijay Rupani — Gujarat observes a day of mourning after former CM Vijay Rupani perished in the June 12 Air India air crash, with flags at half‑mast and entertainment events paused 2.
• HAU student protests rock Haryana — Chaos at Haryana Agricultural University continues as students reject the administration’s claim of resolving demands and say exams won’t resume until reforms are implemented 3.
• Monsoon edges forward in India — Southwest monsoon nearing South Gujarat with early rain in UP and Uttarakhand, after a brutal heatwave in Rajasthan earlier this month 4.
• Peru hit by 6.1-magnitude quake — A major earthquake rocks Peru, triggering landslides; meanwhile, Kerala faces red-alert flooding, with school closures and landslide warnings 5.