Nepal has advised its citizens who are in Iran to stay indoors and avoid travel to Iran as deadly protests, security crackdowns, and an ongoing internet shutdown continue to grip the country
Nepal Issues Advisory for Iran as Protests Turn Violent and Internet Shutdown Continues (Source: X/ @visegrad24)
Iran Protest: Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has released an advisory for Iran as protests continue to grow across the country. Authorities are using force to control the unrest, raising serious safety concerns.
Hundreds of people are protesting against high inflation and demanding political and economic reforms. Reports say security forces have opened fire in several areas, and many people have been killed or injured.
The Nepali Foreign Ministry advised its citizens who are already in Iran to remain careful. It said, “Nepali citizens currently living and working in Iran are advised to follow the security advisory of the competent authorities of Iran, stay indoors, remain alert, and exercise caution.”
The government has also told people to avoid unnecessary movement during this tense period.
Nepal has also warned its citizens not to travel to Iran for now. The ministry said, “Likewise, the Ministry urges all the Nepali citizens planning to travel to Iran to avoid their plan until the situation in the country returns to normal.” This step aims to protect travelers from the risks caused by the unrest.
To help Nepali citizens in need, the ministry shared emergency contact details.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kathmandu can be reached at +977-014200182-85 or +977-9862678437, and by email at waa@mofa.gov.np.
Another help line is +977-14200480 or +977-9851354565, and email informationofficer@mofa.gov.np.
The Nepal Embassy in Doha can also be contacted at +974-6621 4419 or by email at eondoha@mofa.gov.np.
As protests continue, Iran issued a strong message to the United States. The Iranian Embassy in India said pro-government rallies had defeated the plans of foreign enemies.
In a post on X, it said, “Great Nation of Iran! Today, you have accomplished a great deed and created a historic day… these grand gatherings have foiled the plan of foreign enemies.” It added, “The Iranian nation is strong and powerful, aware of its enemies and always present in the field.”
Iran’s top cyberspace authority said internet access will remain restricted until officials feel security has fully returned. The blackout began on January 9 during large-scale protests.
Mohammad Amin Aqamiri, head of Iran’s National Center for Cyberspace, said the exact date for restoring the internet will be announced later. He said the shutdown is needed to fight what he called “cognitive warfare” by foreign enemies.
Even with the global internet blocked, Iran is using its internal system called the National Information Network (NIN). Aqamiri said it allows people to access important services such as banking, online shopping, and local messaging apps. He added that domestic search engines and AI services will also be expanded to reduce disruption.
NetBlocks, a global internet watchdog, said the shutdown has now crossed 108 hours. It posted on X that Iranians remain cut off from the outside world and from each other.
Iran’s Telecom Minister Sattar Hashemi said all government agencies will follow the security decision while working toward restoring full access.
According to the Human Rights Activist News Agency (HRANA), at least 646 people have died so far during the protests. This includes 505 protesters, among them nine children, as well as 133 members of Iran’s military and security forces, one prosecutor, and seven civilians not involved in demonstrations.
The protests have now entered their 16th day and have spread to 606 locations across 187 cities, showing the scale of the nationwide unrest.
