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Key Points

Australia has suspended its embassy operations in Tehran and directed officials to leave Iran due to worsening security conditions. Foreign Minister Penny Wong urged Australians to depart immediately if safe, with consular support relocated to Azerbaijan. Meanwhile, Israel launched airstrikes targeting Iran’s missile and nuclear facilities, escalating regional tensions. The US is considering military intervention as diplomatic efforts remain uncertain.

Key Points: Australia Evacuates Embassy in Iran Amid Military Escalation

  • Australia orders officials to evacuate Tehran embassy over security risks
  • Over 2,000 Australians seek DFAT assistance to leave Iran
  • Israel conducts airstrikes on Iran's missile and nuclear sites
  • US weighs military action as conflict escalates
2 min read

Australia suspends embassy in Iran, directs officials to leave

Australia suspends Tehran embassy operations and urges citizens to leave Iran as regional tensions rise with Israel airstrikes and US intervention threats.

"We urge Australians who are able to leave Iran to do so now, if it is safe. – Penny Wong"

Canberra, June 20

The Australian government, on Friday, suspended its embassy operations in Iran's capital and ordered officials to leave the country amid the escalating military conflict in the region.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong has said that the government has directed the departure of all Australian officials and their dependents from Iran and suspended operations at the embassy in Tehran based on advice about the "deteriorating" security environment.

She said in a statement that Australia's Ambassador to Iran will remain in the region to support the government's response to the crisis and that Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) consular staff will be deployed to Azerbaijan to support Australians departing Iran.

"We urge Australians who are able to leave Iran to do so now, if it is safe. Those who are unable to, or do not wish to leave, are advised to shelter in place," Wong added.

As of Friday, more than 2,000 Australian citizens had registered with DFAT for assistance leaving Iran, Xinhua news agency reported.

However, Italy will maintain operations at its embassies in both Tehran and Tel Aviv amid the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, while organising charter flights to assist Italian nationals wishing to leave the two countries, Antonio Tajani, Minister of the Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, said.

Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces announced that it had carried out a series of overnight airstrikes in Tehran, targeting dozens of sites linked to Iran's missile and nuclear weapons programmes.

Among the key targets were military industrial facilities used for missile production and the headquarters of Iran's Organisation of Defensive Innovation and Research.

US President Donald Trump will make a decision on whether he will order a strike against Iran in the next two weeks, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said at a briefing.

"Based on the fact that there's a substantial chance of negotiation that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision whether or not to go in the next two weeks," Leavitt said in a statement on Thursday, from Trump who responded to speculation about whether the US would directly get involved in the conflict between Iran and Israel.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Smart move by Australia. Safety of diplomats should always come first. India should also review our embassy security in Tehran given how quickly things are escalating. Hope our MEA is monitoring the situation closely 🇮🇳
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Priya M.
Very concerning development. This could impact oil prices and our economy too. Already petrol prices are touching ₹100 in many cities. Hope our government has contingency plans ready if the Gulf situation worsens further.
A
Arjun S.
Interesting that Italy is keeping embassies open while others are closing. Shows different risk assessments by different countries. India has traditionally maintained good relations with both Iran and Israel - hope we can play a constructive role in de-escalation.
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Sunita R.
Worried about Indian students and workers in Iran. Our embassy should issue clear advisories like Australia has done. Many Gujarati and Kerala families have businesses there too. Safety first! 🙏
V
Vikram J.
The US threatening to strike Iran within 2 weeks is reckless. This isn't some Bollywood movie where you give ultimatums. Diplomacy should be given more time. The whole region could explode if cooler heads don't prevail.
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Neha P.
While the situation is serious, I hope media doesn't sensationalize it too much. We have enough tensions at our own borders with China and Pakistan. Don't need panic about Middle East adding to our problems. Stay calm and follow official advisories.

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