Australia shuts down embassy in Iran, directs officials to leave
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Canberra: Amid escalating regional tensions, the Australian government on Friday suspended operations at its embassy in Tehran and ordered the withdrawal of all officials and their dependents from Iran, citing a worsening security situation.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the decision followed advice about the “deteriorating” environment. While the embassy in Tehran will remain closed, Australia’s Ambassador to Iran will stay in the region to help coordinate the government’s response.
To assist Australians leaving Iran, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) consular staff will be deployed to neighbouring Azerbaijan.
"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, over 2,000 Australian citizens had registered with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) for assistance in leaving Iran, according to Xinhua.
In contrast, Italy will continue to operate its embassies in Tehran and Tel Aviv despite the intensifying conflict between Iran and Israel. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said the government is arranging charter flights to help Italian nationals exit both countries.
Meanwhile, the Israel Defence Forces confirmed it had conducted a wave of overnight airstrikes in Tehran, targeting key sites linked to Iran’s missile and nuclear weapons programs. Strikes reportedly hit military-industrial facilities involved in missile production, as well as the headquarters of Iran’s Organisation of Defensive Innovation and Research.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that U.S. President Donald Trump will decide within the next two weeks whether to authorise a strike against Iran.
"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.
(inputs from IANS)
