US-Iran War Update: MEA launches 24×7 helpline for Indians amid escalating US-Israel-Iran conflict and special flights arranged from Jeddah for safe return.
Indian officials coordinate emergency support as US-Israel-Iran war intensifies in the Middle East (Photo: X)
US-Iran War Day 5 Update: The US Iran Alliance vs Iran war in the Middle East was in its fifth day on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. The death toll keeps growing with at least 787 dead in Iran, approximately 60 in Lebanon, more than 12 in Israel and six dead US soldiers. With the rising number of strikes and retaliations, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India has organized resources to protect its citizens in the area.
Iran has launched several devices to Israel, and a suspected Iranian drone hit the CIA base of the US Embassy in Riyadh. There were no casualties by the drone attack, which could be seen as the expansion of the conflict into the region, although it had minor fire damage. Israel retaliated by launching precision airstrikes at the Hezbollah and Iranian positions in Lebanon and Iran.
In a concerted military operation, US forces in cooperation with the Ecuadorian troops were carrying out concerted operations against declared terrorist groups. These maneuvers with the Middle East tensions were criticized by former President Donald Trump. The operation was termed as a decisive action against the narco-terrorism by the US Southern Command in Latin America.
The Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran stated that it had hit a US destroyer in the Indian Ocean, which is more than 600 km away Iran. It was reportedly hit by Ghadr-380 and Talaieh missiles, by which it refueled on a US tanker. The incident highlights the ability of Iran to attack high-value targets that are very distant.
India MEA has put in place a Special Control Room to address the increasing crisis that works 9 AM to 9 PM. The helpline will target the Indian nationals in Israel, Iran, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman among others. Authorities are also liaising well with Indian embassies to help them in good time.
The Consulate General in Jeddah organized flights back home to India non-scheduled to help the safe reentry of the Indian citizens. Consul General Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri has personally inspected the activities at King Abdulaziz international airport to ascertain that boarding, being assisted and 24/7 services to passengers are smooth.
Indian nationals can reach out to embassies and consulates across the region:
Bahrain: +973 39418071
Iran: +98 9128109115 / +98 912810910 / +98 932179359
Iraq: +964 7716511185 / +964 7704444899
Israel: +972 54 7520711 / +972 54 2428378
Jordan: +962 770422276
Kuwait: +965 65501946
Lebanon: +961 76860128
Oman: +968 98282270 (WhatsApp) / 80071234 (Toll-free)
Qatar: +974 55647502
Palestine (Ramallah): +970 592916418
Saudi Arabia (Riyadh/Jeddah): +966 11 4884697 / 8002471234 / +966 126648660 / +966 12 2614093
UAE: +971 543090571 (WhatsApp) / 80046342 (Toll-free)
Q: How many casualties so far in conflict?
A: 787 in Iran, 60 in Lebanon, 12 in Israel and 6 US soldiers.
Q: Are Indian citizens safe?
A: MEA has set up a 24×7 control room and emergency helplines.
Q: What flights are available for Indians?
A: Non-scheduled flights from Jeddah are operating to India.
Q: Has Iran hit US assets?
A: Yes, IRGC claims a US destroyer in the Indian Ocean was struck.
Q: Are airstrikes ongoing?
A: Israel continues strikes in Lebanon and Iran, while Iran retaliates.
