Tehran, Iran – The Australian government has announced the immediate closure of its embassy in Tehran due to what it described as a "deteriorating security environment" amid the escalating military conflict between Iran and Israel.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong confirmed the decision on Wednesday, stating that all Australian diplomatic staff have been safely evacuated from Iran. The move comes as regional tensions spiral following a series of Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, prompting widespread concern about the safety of foreign missions in the Islamic Republic.

Emergency Evacuation Mission Launched

In response, Australia has deployed military personnel and aircraft to the Middle East to assist in the evacuation of approximately 2,000 Australian citizens currently in Iran. The operation, classified as a non-combat evacuation mission, will be supported from neighboring Azerbaijan, where consular officials and logistics teams have already been stationed.

Australia’s ambassador to Iran, Ian McConville, will continue operating from the region to lead the coordination of evacuation efforts.

“We are acting out of an abundance of caution to protect Australian lives,” said Wong, who emphasized the embassy closure was temporary but necessary given the heightened risk to foreign nationals.

Coordination with Allies

The Australian government is reportedly in close contact with the United States, European Union, and United Kingdom over the evolving crisis. Wong recently spoke with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, clarifying that Australia's military assets are deployed strictly for humanitarian and evacuation purposes.

The White House has acknowledged the situation remains volatile, and U.S. officials have not ruled out further military or diplomatic action in the coming days.

Background: Israel-Iran Escalation

Australia’s embassy shutdown is part of a broader wave of foreign evacuations and mission closures following recent Israeli strikes on Iran’s Natanz and Arak nuclear facilities. In retaliation, Iran launched dozens of missiles targeting southern Israel, with further casualties reported across Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria.

Iranian health officials have confirmed at least 657 deaths and more than 2,000 injuries from recent attacks. Israeli cities have also reported fatalities, triggering mass evacuations and emergency alerts across the region.

What It Means

Australia’s withdrawal from Tehran highlights growing international alarm over the security risks posed by the Iran-Israel conflict. While Canberra maintains it has no plans for direct military involvement, the urgency of evacuation measures reflects a deepening sense of crisis.

Meanwhile, international diplomats and humanitarian agencies are calling for immediate de-escalation and renewed negotiations, though prospects for peace remain uncertain.

For continued updates on this developing story and other global affairs, stay with AMN-USA.
www.amn-usa.com | 🇺🇸 AMN-USA — Independent. Global. Nepali-American Perspective.