How Did a Student Evacuated from Iran Thank the Embassy and Indian Government?

Faridabad, June 24 (NationPress) A student who was recently evacuated from war-torn Iran, Saniya Zehar, expressed her heartfelt appreciation to the Indian Embassy, the Union government, and the media for facilitating the safe return of hundreds of Indians trapped in the conflict zone.

Sharing her disturbing ordeal, Saniya Zehar stated that their evacuation was made possible due to the unwavering efforts of all parties involved.

Speaking to IANS, Saniya Zehar said, "I extend my gratitude to the Embassy, the Indian Government, and the media. It’s solely due to them that we could return. Had the media not amplified our voices, we might have remained ignored. We were evacuated by air, and I believe nearly 2,000 Indians were in Iran at that time."

She also recounted the fear that enveloped them in their last days in Iran, where a complete Internet blackout severed communication, plunging them into despair.

“It felt like death was imminent. We were uncertain of how much time we had left. With communication cut off — we could only manage voice calls. My father continuously tried to reassure us, stating that the Embassy and media were actively working to help us. He would say, ‘If people were evacuated from Ukraine and Russia, why not from Iran?’” she shared with IANS.

When asked about her future aspirations, Saniya Zehar remained hopeful despite her traumatic experiences.

“With a ceasefire now declared between Iran and Israel, we aspire to return. We’ve long dreamed of becoming doctors and completing our MBBS. It wouldn’t be right to abandon that dream,” she concluded.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed the safe arrival of 380 Indian nationals in New Delhi on Tuesday — 219 from Iran and 161 from Israel — as part of the ongoing 'Operation Sindhu'.

With this latest evacuation, India has successfully repatriated a total of 2,295 of its citizens from Iran amid the escalating crisis in the Middle East.

In a significant geopolitical turn, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu officially announced Israel’s acceptance of a ceasefire proposal with Iran, marking the end of 12 days of intense conflict.

In a statement released by his office, Prime Minister Netanyahu claimed that all strategic objectives of 'Operation Rising Lion' had been accomplished and even surpassed.

“Israel has eliminated a dual existential threat — both nuclear and ballistic — and achieved total air superiority over Tehran. Numerous significant regime targets in Iran were destroyed, and their military leadership suffered a notable blow,” the statement indicated.

However, tensions briefly escalated again after Israel reported intercepting missiles launched from Iran just hours after the ceasefire. Iran, through its semi-official Tasnim News Agency, denied any missile attacks following the truce.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz responded by ordering "intense strikes" on targets in Tehran, accusing Iran of violating the ceasefire. Air raid sirens were activated across Haifa, but all incoming missiles were intercepted by Israeli air defense systems, with no casualties or damage reported.