14 hours ago
Australia closes Tehran embassy tells officials to leave over security fears
Australia has shuttered its embassy in Tehran and directed all Australian officials and their dependants to leave 'based on advice about the deteriorating security environment in Iran'.
All Australians in the country have been urged to leave if it is safe, or to shelter in place if it is not.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong 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 crossings, to support Australians departing Iran,' she 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.'
There are currently some 1200 Australians seeking evacuation from Iran, with that number expected to rise as thousands of Australians remain stuck in the region.
Australia's suspension of Embassy operations is concurent with similar measures taken by other countries, including New Zealand and Switzerland.
Australians in Iran seeking consular assistance are urged to call the Australian Government's 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 outside Australia and 1300 555 135 (in Australia).
