Australia has officially closed its embassy in Tehran and ordered all diplomatic staff and their dependents to leave Iran, citing a "deteriorating security situation" in the region following recent military escalations between Iran and Israel.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced the decision during a news conference in Adelaide, emphasizing that the move was prompted by growing instability after Israel's military strikes on Iran's nuclear infrastructure last week.
"This is not a decision taken lightly," Wong stated. "It is a decision based on the deteriorating security environment in Iran."
Travel Advisory for Australians
The Australian government has issued a strong travel advisory urging all Australian nationals currently in Iran to leave the country if they can do so safely. According to Wong, approximately 2,000 Australians and their family members are registered in Iran and have expressed intentions to depart.
An additional 1,200 Australians are reportedly in Israel amid the ongoing conflict, further complicating the regional situation for Australian citizens.
Part of Broader International Response
Australia joins a growing list of countries suspending embassy operations in Tehran, including Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, New Zealand, Portugal, and Switzerland. This coordinated diplomatic withdrawal reflects the serious security concerns shared by multiple nations.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is reportedly working closely with partner nations to assist Australians seeking to exit Iran and the broader Middle East region.
This development comes as tensions between Iran and Israel have reached new heights, with military exchanges raising fears of a wider regional conflict that could potentially draw in other powers.
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