For an approximated 60,000 international trainees in Iran, many of them pursuing medicine, studying in the nation has actually been far from simple.
The West Asian country has experienced extreme social unrest, economic decline, and direct military conflict over the past 3 years, which has likewise affected thousands of worldwide students.
One of them is Mehreen Sajad, a trainee at Shahid Beheshti University in Tehran, who chose Iran for its affordable yet quality medical education– and is well aware of how quickly things can spiral for outsiders, having actually experienced it during the June 2025 Israel-Iran conflict.
“Last time, throughout the June war, it lasted about 12 days and wasn’t as serious, primarily drone attacks. The evacuation was smooth, and the Indian Embassy dealt with whatever as the airspace was still open. We were able to return in 2 months by August,” Sajad told The PIE News.
Today, in this latest stage of the conflict, uncertainty is far more severe. “The whole circumstance developed slowly over time, it began with demonstrations in January 2026, driven by inflation and other issues,” stated Sajad.
With nationwide demonstrations triggering internet blackouts in Iran in January– dramatically reducing connection by February and causing worldwide call rates to rise, often costing around INR 200 (nearly ₤ 2) for just five to 10 minute calls– Sajad recalled how she and others struggled to stay in touch with their families, even as they attempted to keep a semblance of typical life.
“Even during the January protests, I went to the medical facility every day. Juniors were permitted to leave and had their exams delayed, but we elders were stuck since of our rotations– we couldn’t skip, or we ‘d have to repeat months,” mentioned Sajad.
“By early February, things felt a bit normal again, but there was currently a sense that something might escalate. Our moms and dads kept asking us to come back, however we could not because of our health center obligations.”
Though reports of a near “historical contract” in between Iran and the US to avoid military conflict were rife by late February, any sense of normalcy rapidly vanished as US rockets, drones and Israeli jets struck Iran on the early morning of February 28, including in Tehran, home to numerous worldwide trainees.
“I keep in mind, I remained in the hostel and didn’t go to the medical facility that day because I was ill, however all my friends were at their wards,” specified Sajad.
“The chaos was inconceivable, people had a hard time to get back to their houses, and panic spread across the country because there was no prior caution about the attack. That’s when we understood we might need to leave.”
Since the war, notable reports from Iran consist of the reported death of its supreme leader Ali Khamenei in an airstrike, a missile striking a ladies’ school in Minab killing numerous children, thousands of civilian casualties, and soaring food and gas prices.
According to Sajad, students experienced these occurrences in the most “traumatic” method, as she stated the security issues seen in Tehran.
“On the third day, Monday, March 2, an airstrike happened in our neighbourhood. I can not describe how traumatising it was– it was just 2 to 3 structures away. Our entire structure shook, glasses broke, rubble fell from the ceilings, and in a split second everything outside turned white from dust, smoke, and the odor of burning,” stated the student.
Surges seen from a hostel real estate worldwide trainees in Tehran. Picture: Unique Plan In the first week of March, numerous Indian trainees were left to Qom, 140 km south of Tehran, with the help of the All India Medical Trainees Association(AIMSA).
However that didn’t protect them from the ongoing violence in the region.” Throughout our time in the hotel after moving, on the second day, 4 surges took place around us. This was far worse than previous drone attacks– we might hear jets approaching, then explosions, smoke, and flames. Much of us saw missiles dropping. It was a deeply traumatic experience for everyone,” specified Sajad.
“At that moment, no one was thinking about their degree. Some good friends remained in their final months, however security was everybody’s only concern. I even heard some students call their moms and dads and request forgiveness, fearing they may not make it home.”
While Sajad and other students had the ability to stockpile on food and contact their households through Iranian apps, they eventually got assistance from the Indian embassy, though not without dealing with difficulties along the way.
Students moved to Qom reported blasts near their hotels. Image: Unique Plan
“In 2015, throughout the June war, the Indian embassy evacuated us directly from Iran due to the fact that the airspace was open. This time, with the airspace entirely shut, we had to leave by means of land borders,” stated Sajad.
“After crossing the Azerbaijan border, we needed to handle the rest ourselves– organizing lodging and flights. While the embassy assisted us throughout Iran, offering buses and meals, the final leg of our journey depended upon us. Still, provided the seriousness of the situation and the scale of evacuations, the embassy did as much as they could.”
When we reached Azerbaijan, a previous senior and her other half welcomed us into their home at midnight, provided meals, beds, and a correct location to rest. Their compassion and hospitality made that last day so much smoother– I do not understand how I’ll ever repay them Mehreen Sajad, worldwide student
While more than 150 Indian students have actually been evacuated through the Iran-Azerbaijan border, with some already returning home and more expected to leave in the coming days, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) states around 9,000 Indian students still remain in Iran, with efforts underway to bring all of them back to India.
Sajad went back to her home in Kashmir on March 15 however remains worried about an uncertain scholastic future, with the memories of her time in Iran during the dispute continuing to problem her.
“Currently, with God’s grace, I am safe and back in India. Our rotations depend completely on the hospitals, so the moment they resume, we’ll have to return, while juniors are still waiting on classes to reboot,” mentioned Sajad.
“But I would state I have significant PTSD right now. Last time it was simply drone attacks and a smooth evacuation, however this time, after 13-14 days of strikes, mayhem, and troubles booking flights from Azerbaijan, it’s been frustrating– I still dream about being stuck at the border.”
As Sajad reviewed her time amid the dispute, she likewise highlighted the kindness and resilience of individuals she met along the way– a pointer that even in times of crisis, human compassion and uniformity can shine through.
“It brings a smile when I think about the people we satisfied– from the start of the demonstrations, everybody in Iran was so concerned for our security. They urged us to stockpile on food, remain inside your home, and leave the country if possible– their care was frustrating,” stated the trainee.
“When we reached Azerbaijan, a previous senior and her partner welcomed us into their home at midnight, offered meals, beds, and a proper location to rest. Their compassion and hospitality made that last day a lot smoother– I don’t understand how I’ll ever repay them.”
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