As the Iran-Israel conflict intensifies, members of the Hyderabadi community residing in Tehran are growing increasingly alarmed. Many have begun fleeing the Iranian capital, with some driving nearly 150 km to cities like Qom in search of safety, while others remain in a state of anxious uncertainty.
The surge in panic followed an urgent advisory issued by the Indian Embassy on Tuesday, asking Indian nationals in Iran to leave the country immediately if they have access to transportation.
For years, Hyderabadis have been part of Iran’s workforce, contributing to industries such as dry fruits, pharmaceuticals, mining, and petrochemicals. Among them is Mannan Raza, a resident of Banjara Hills in Hyderabad and owner of a construction company in Tehran’s Punak area. On Tuesday, he and his wife drove to Qom to take refuge at his brother’s home.
“The situation is deteriorating rapidly. Unlike past skirmishes, people now feel the war is getting dangerously close. Air attacks are frequent—it feels like firecrackers going off all the time,” Raza told The Times of India after arriving in Qom by evening.
He described Qom as being overcrowded with those escaping Tehran. “Most people prefer Qom over Karaj, which is only 40 km away, because they perceive it to be safer. But the influx has overwhelmed the city. Hotels are packed and expensive. We were fortunate to have family here. Many others aren’t so lucky and are scrambling for accommodation,” he said.
In response to the escalating crisis, Indian authorities began evacuating Indian students on Tuesday, with more than 100 transported via Armenia, according to reports. “Only students have been evacuated so far; other Indian residents, including workers and families, are still waiting,” Raza added.
Iran is also a significant destination for Shia Muslims from Hyderabad who travel for religious pilgrimages, further amplifying concerns within the community.
Not all have chosen to leave. Kulsum Fatima Hussain, another Hyderabadi from Banjara Hills, has lived in Tehran’s Yosef Abad area for over ten years following her marriage. “Authorities have declared a week-long holiday. While shops and markets are still open, schools have been shut until September. People are continuing with their routines, but the unease is unmistakable,” she said.
Meanwhile, families back in Hyderabad are growing increasingly distressed. One relative, who wished to remain anonymous, said, “We’ve lost contact with my cousin’s son, who is studying medicine in Tehran. We’re hoping the authorities will evacuate him soon.”
With the situation worsening by the day and airstrikes becoming more frequent, the fate of the Indian community in Iran hangs in the balance as many hope for a broader evacuation plan before conditions deteriorate further.
