Australia has just made the call to suspend its embassy operations in Tehran, with Foreign Minister Penny Wong confirming that all Australian officials and their families are being told to leave Iran immediately. The move comes after Israel launched missile strikes on Iran, prompting a counter attack as the security situation in Iran gets worse due to the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel.
In a statement released this morning, Wong said, “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.”
Australia’s ambassador to Iran isn’t leaving the region entirely, though. “Australia’s Ambassador to Iran will remain in the region to support the Australian Government’s response to this crisis,” Wong explained.
With the embassy now closed, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is sending consular staff to Azerbaijan, which shares a border with Iran. Their job? To help Australians who are trying to get out.
“The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is deploying consular staff to Azerbaijan, including its border crossings, to support Australians departing Iran,” the statement said.
Wong’s advice for Australians in Iran is pretty clear: “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.”
Right now, there are about 1,500 Australians and their family members wanting to leave Iran, according to SBS, and another 1,200 registered for help to leave Israel. But it’s not easy. “At this stage, our ability to provide consular services is extremely limited due to the situation on the ground. The airspace remains closed,” Wong said.
DFAT is still offering support where it can. “DFAT will also continue to provide support through the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre, direct contact with Australian citizens who have registered on our crisis portal and updates to travel advice,” the statement reads.
Australia isn’t the only country making this move. “The suspension of Embassy operations is consistent with steps taken by other countries, including New Zealand and Switzerland,” Wong said.
If you’re an Aussie in Iran and need help, you can call the Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 from outside Australia, or 1300 555 135 from within Australia.
The government says it’s “continuing planning to support Australians seeking to depart Iran, and we remain in close contact with other partner countries”.
But for now, the main advice is: if you can safely leave, do it. If not, shelter in place and keep up to date with official advice.
For more info and updates, check the Australian Government’s Smartraveller website.
Lead image: Getty
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