Australia has temporarily shut down its embassy operations in Tehran, citing a worsening security situation as hostilities between Israel and Iran escalate. The closure comes after another round of Israeli airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities and amid growing concerns about regional stability.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced the embassy suspension on Friday, stating that Australian defence personnel and aircraft are being deployed to the Middle East as part of contingency plans to evacuate Australian citizens and diplomats when the airspace reopens. She emphasised that the forces would not engage in combat operations.
“We have a very volatile security situation in Iran,” Wong said during a press conference. “We do not have to cast our minds back too far in history to understand the risk to foreign officials in Iran in times of unrest.”
Israel launched its aerial campaign against Iran last week, describing it as a preemptive move to prevent the development of nuclear weapons. Iran has consistently denied such intentions and responded with retaliatory strikes on Israeli territory. The conflict, now in its second week, has shown no signs of de-escalation.
To assist Australians seeking to leave Iran, consular staff are being deployed to neighbouring Azerbaijan, including at key border crossings. “We are in the process of getting a crisis response team into Azerbaijan,” Wong said. “The purpose is to assist any Australians who get to that border — and that is the border crossing that is the most likely for exit from Tehran.”
Official figures indicate that around 2,000 Australians and their family members in Iran have sought help to leave the country. While the Australian ambassador to Iran, Ian McConville, has left Tehran, he will remain in the region to coordinate evacuation and crisis efforts.
Wong also disclosed that she had spoken with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio about the unfolding conflict. When asked whether the United States had requested Australian military support in the event of direct US involvement, she replied: “No such request was made.”
The White House confirmed on Thursday that President Donald Trump is expected to make a decision within the next two weeks on whether the United States will intervene in the conflict.
Melissa Enoch
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