Australia has suspended operations at its embassy in Tehran due to the rapidly deteriorating security conditions following renewed Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites. The escalating conflict, now entering its second week, shows little sign of de-escalation.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced on Friday that Australian defense personnel and aircraft are being dispatched to the Middle East as part of contingency plans to evacuate Australian citizens and diplomatic staff once air routes reopen. She emphasized that the personnel are being deployed for evacuation purposes only and will not participate in any combat activities.
“We are facing a highly unstable security situation in Iran,” Wong said during a press briefing. “History reminds us of the dangers foreign diplomats face during periods of unrest in the country.”
Israel launched a wide-scale aerial assault on Iran last Friday, claiming it was necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Iran has rejected those accusations, responding with counterattacks targeting Israel.
To assist those fleeing by land, Australian consular teams are being stationed in neighboring Azerbaijan, particularly at border checkpoints, to support nationals crossing out of Iran.
“We are deploying a crisis response team to Azerbaijan, focused on helping Australians at the border—this is the most likely exit route from Tehran,” Wong explained.
According to official figures, around 2,000 Australian nationals and their families currently in Iran have requested government assistance to evacuate.
Although the Australian ambassador to Iran, Ian McConville, has left the embassy, he will remain in the region to coordinate and support ongoing efforts.
Wong also confirmed she spoke with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio about the situation. When asked whether the U.S. had sought military assistance from Australia in case of further escalation, she clarified that “no such request was made.”
The White House stated on Thursday that President Donald Trump is expected to decide within two weeks whether the United States will intervene militarily in the conflict.
