Australia closes its embassy in Tehran as the Iran-Israel tension intensifies

Australia announced on Friday that it had halted operations at its embassy in Tehran, citing “a deteriorating security environment” after Israel struck Iran’s nuclear facilities once more and the week-old air war showed no signs of either side’s exit strategy.

Last Friday, Israel unleashed a massive aerial campaign against Iran, claiming it was a preventive strike to stop Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Iran has counterstrikes Israel in retaliation and denied any such preparations.

“Based on advice regarding the worsening security situation in Iran, the Australian government has ordered the departure of all Australian officials and dependents,” Foreign Minister Penny Wong said in a statement.

To assist Australians leaving Iran, consular personnel are being sent to neighboring Azerbaijan, including its border crossings, according to Wong.

“We keep in close communication with our other partner nations. At this point, the situation on the ground severely restricts our ability to offer consular services. She went on, “The airspace is still closed.

Ian McConville, Australia’s ambassador to Iran, will stay in the area to assist the government’s reaction, Wong stated.

Official data revealed that over 1,500 Australians and their families in Iran have applied for help to exit the country.