India, Jan. 15 -- justify;">Indian authorities are making preparations for the possible evacuation of Indian nationals from Iran because of the evolving situation in the country amid apprehensions of US military intervention, people familiar with the matter said on Thursday.

The Indian embassy in Tehran is currently focused on ascertaining the number of Indian nationals wishing to return, but the internet shutdown imposed by Iranian authorities is proving a major hurdle in contacting citizens, the people said on condition of anonymity.

There are approximately 10,000 Indians in Iran, including many students. The students will be the focus of any evacuation effort, though it was not immediately clear when the first repatriation flight wou...