Prime Minister Anthony Albanese Urges Australians to Evacuate Iran Amid Escalating Conflict
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has issued a stark warning to Australians affected by the intensifying conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, urging them to flee the region immediately. Speaking on Sunday morning, Albanese emphasized the urgency as missiles continue to rain down across the Middle East, with Iran trading retaliatory attacks with US and Israeli forces.
Australia Supports US-Israeli Strikes Under Operation Epic Fury
Albanese confirmed that Australia supports the US-Israeli attacks on Iran, conducted under Operation Epic Fury, which have triggered a series of retaliatory strikes from Iran targeting Israel and nations in the Gulf of Persia housing US military bases. In a concerning development, missiles have struck international airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi within the United Arab Emirates, resulting in at least one confirmed fatality in Abu Dhabi.
Travel Advice Upgraded to "Do Not Travel" for Multiple Countries
In response to the escalating violence, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has upgraded its travel advice to "do not travel" for several countries, including Israel, Lebanon, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. Albanese stressed the critical importance for anyone in the region to monitor the Smartraveller website for the most current safety information. "Leave Iran as soon as possible, of course, if it is safe to do so," he urged, reinforcing the government's directive for all Australians to evacuate Iran promptly when conditions permit.
Limited Consular Assistance and Registration Portal Opened
Albanese noted that Australia's ability to provide consular assistance in Iran is extremely limited, a situation likely to worsen amid the ongoing conflict. To aid citizens, DFAT has launched a registration portal for Australians seeking help to depart either Israel or Iran, promising to contact registered individuals with the latest updates. Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong echoed these concerns, stating that the government is "urgently seeking to confirm whether any Australians have been affected" and prioritizing safety during what she described as a "very volatile and risky situation."
Government Calls for Peace and Supports Iranian People
Both Albanese and Wong expressed support for Iranians impacted by the strikes and Iranian-Australians with family in the region, while pleading for a return to diplomatic negotiations. Wong emphasized, "We do not want to see this escalate into a wider regional conflict," and called for the protection of civilian life and the resumption of dialogue. She clarified that Australia did not participate in the strikes and is unlikely to deploy troops, affirming, "We stand with the people of Iran in fighting against an oppressive regime. Ultimately, Iran's future must be determined by the people of Iran."
Background on the Attacks and International Response
The US-Israeli joint attack on Iran commenced on Saturday morning local time, targeting top leaders and advocating for governmental overthrow. Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu later claimed "many signs" indicated the death of Iran's 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in the strikes. Wong declined to comment on whether intelligence from Pine Gap, the Australia-US surveillance base, was used in the operation, citing policy against discussing the facility. Iran's retaliatory measures have focused on Israeli and US forces, with additional missile launches at Gulf nations hosting US bases, exacerbating regional tensions.
Emergency Contact Information for Australians
Australians in need of assistance are urged to contact the Consular Emergency Centre at 1300 555 135 within Australia or +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas. The government continues to monitor the situation closely, advising all citizens to heed travel warnings and prioritize their safety amidst the unfolding crisis in the Middle East.
