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The Australian government has directed the departure of all Australian officials and dependents and suspended operations at its embassy in Tehran.
Australia’s ambassador to Iran will remain in the region to support the Australian government’s response to the deteriorating security environment in the country
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has confirmed it is deploying consular staff to Azerbaijan, including its border crossing, 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,” Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong said.
“We are continuing planning to support Australians seeking to depart Iran, and we remain in close contact with other partner countries. At this stage, our ability to provide consular services is extremely limited due to the situation on the ground. The airspace remains closed,” she said.
“The suspension of embassy operations is consistent with steps taken by other countries, including New Zealand and Switzerland.”
DFAT will also continue to provide support through the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre, direct contact with Australian citizens who have registered on the crisis portal and updates to travel advice.
Australians in Iran seeking consular assistance should call the Australian government’s 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 outside Australia and 1300 555 135 (in Australia).
“Obviously, the situation in the Middle East is increasingly risky, increasingly dangerous, and I again reiterate Australia’s call on Iran, you have to discontinue any nuclear weapons program. You have to discontinue any nuclear program. That is the call of the world. We urge Iran to come to the table and to do what the world is seeking, what the United States and others are making very clear, which is to discontinue any nuclear program and to return to diplomacy and dialogue,” Minister Wong said.
“In relation to Australians in the region and what I would say is this is a very stressful and risky situation, and we are very focused on doing whatever we can to assist you. Obviously, there are real limits, hard limits, on what the government can do. The airspace remains closed.
“In relation to Australians in Iran, our travel advice remains the same. Leave if it is safe to do so, if not, shelter in place. In relation to Israel, again, we are seeking to assist Australians where we can. We took the opportunity yesterday to move a small group across a land border.
“If we have that opportunity, we will continue to do that. But please again, listen to the travel advice, and if you need assistance to leave, please register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Emergency consular assistance is available to Australians. The Crisis Centre has been stood up for some days. That operates 24 hours.”
Earlier this week, the US Department of State confirmed that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had spoken with Minister Wong about the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
“Secretary Rubio and Minister Wong agreed to continue to work together closely to commit to a path of peace and ensure that Iran never develops a nuclear weapon,” US spokesperson Tammy Bruce said.
