Iran's top diplomat in India has publicly rejected as "totally false" recent reports circulating on social media that claimed Iranian police had detained Indian nationals. The ambassador urged the public to seek information only from credible sources.
Ambassador's Firm Rejection on Social Media
In a clear statement posted on the social media platform X, Iranian Ambassador to India Mohammad Fathali addressed the rumors directly. He stated that the news being shared by some foreign accounts regarding developments in Iran was fabricated. "I request all interested people to get their news from the reliable sources," Fathali emphasized in his post on Sunday.
Details of the Dismissed Rumors
The reports in question had alleged that Iranian police detained a group of 16 foreign nationals. This group was said to include 10 Afghans and 6 Indians, alongside some Iranian citizens. Furthermore, the unverified claims suggested this network was accused by authorities of organizing and carrying out recent rioting and destruction in Abadan, located in Khuzestan Province.
These rumors emerged against a backdrop of escalating protests across Iran, which have plunged the country into a fresh phase of political and economic instability. This marks the second major crisis Iran has faced in less than a year, following a period of heightened confrontation with Israel and the United States in June 2025.
Context and Implications
The ambassador's swift denial highlights the sensitivity of the situation and the importance of verified information in international relations. For India, which maintains significant diplomatic and economic ties with Iran, such reports involving its citizens are a matter of serious concern. The public dismissal aims to quell misinformation that could potentially affect bilateral relations.
The incident underscores the challenge of navigating information during times of international tension. It serves as a reminder for media consumers, especially in connected regions like India, to critically evaluate the source of news concerning global events.