The Ministry of External Affairs has said that 255 Indians in Iran have tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. This confirmation came after The Wire had reported yesterday that 254 Indian nationals holed up in the Iranian city of Qom had tested positive. The Indian embassy in Iran had facilitated the testing of these individuals between March 6 and March 10. A list of those who had tested positive was shared with them via WhatsApp, but no individual reports were shared and no confirmation was forthcoming. The pilgrims have not been issued any advisory by the embassy in Iran regarding isolation or treatment on their return home. In a video appeal by a pilgrim stuck in Qom, he urges the Indian government to take necessary steps to ensure the safety of Indians in Iran.br br Like our work? Click here to support The Wire: br The founding premise of The Wire is this: if good journalism is to survive and thrive, it can only do so by being both editorially and financially independent. This means relying principally on contributions from readers and concerned citizens who have no interest other than to sustain a space for quality journalism. As a publication, The Wire will be firmly committed to the public interest and democratic values.br We publish in four different languages!br For English, visit www.thewire.inbr for Hindi: for Urdu: for Marathi: If you are a young writer or a creator, you can submit articles, essays, photos, poetry – anything that’s straight out of your imagination – to LiveWire, The Wire’s portal for the young, by the young. You can also follow The Wire’s social media platforms and engage with us.