Foreign Minister Penny Wong has ordered Australia’s diplomats out of Tehran. Photo: Facebook.
Australia’s embassy in Tehran has been closed and its diplomats and families rushed out of the Iranian capital and into bordering country Azerbaijan.
The Federal Government is also urging all Australians in Iran to leave immediately if they can do so safely.
As hostilities between Israel and Iran escalate, with fears of a wider major war about to break out in the Middle East, the government has ordered the suspension of its Tehran embassy until further notice.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong issued a statement highlighting the gravity of the situation.
“The Australian Government has directed the departure of all Australian officials and dependents and suspended operations at our Embassy in Tehran, based on advice about the deteriorating security environment in Iran,” the Minister said.
“Australia’s Ambassador to Iran will remain in the region to support the Australian Government’s response to this crisis.
“The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) 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.
“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.”
DFAT is providing support through its 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre, as well as direct contact with Australian citizens who have registered on its crisis portal.
It is regularly updating travel advice on its website.
Senator Wong said the suspension of Australia’s embassy operations in Tehran was consistent with steps taken by other countries, including New Zealand and Switzerland.
Australians 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.
Meanwhile in Washington DC, the White House said US President Donald Trump would decide within two weeks whether to get directly involved in the Iran-Israel conflict, which would mean American strikes on Iran.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt gave the press corps a message from the President that read: “Based on the fact that there’s a substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision whether or not to go within the next two weeks.”
Mr Trump has previously hinted at US involvement that could take out Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei if Iran does not unconditionally surrender.
“We know exactly where the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ is hiding,” Mr Trump posted on social media.
“He is an easy target, but is safe there — we are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now.
“But we don’t want missiles shot at civilians or American soldiers. Our patience is wearing thin. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
The US has 80,000 troops stationed in the Persian Gulf.
Iran immediately stated its refusal to surrender.
The hostilities began on 13 June when Israel launched a surprise attack on Iranian targets, citing concerns over Iran’s escalating nuclear weapons ambitions.
The strikes targeted Iran’s military leadership, nuclear facilities and scientists, and air defences. Hundreds of civilians have also been killed.
Iran responded with its own military strikes against Israeli cities and military sites.
Iran’s Ambassador to Australia Ahmad Sadehi said the Islamic Republic was not working on a nuclear weapons program, and he has called on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to condemn Israel over the strikes.
“We ask Australia, as a friendly nation that we are in a good relation with, they have to condemn,” he told the ABC’s 7.30.
The Ambassador also suggested Iran would retaliate against any US strikes on it.
“I ask Mr Trump to be very careful about that,” he said
