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<p data-start="94" data-end="294"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">The Australian government has suspended its embassy operations in Tehran and ordered the withdrawal of its diplomats and their families due to a rapidly deteriorating security situation in the region.</span></p>
<p data-start="296" data-end="517"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced that all Australian officials and dependents have been directed to leave Iran. The decision follows security assessments in light of the escalating conflict involving Iran and Israel.</span></p>
<p data-start="519" data-end="735"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Australia&rsquo;s Ambassador to Iran will remain stationed in the region to assist with government response efforts, while consular support will now be provided from neighboring Azerbaijan to help Australians leaving Iran.</span></p>
<p data-start="737" data-end="913"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">"We urge Australians who are able to leave Iran to do so now, if it is safe. Those who cannot or choose not to leave are advised to shelter in place," Wong said in a statement.</span></p>
<p data-start="915" data-end="1056"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">More than 2,000 Australian citizens have reportedly registered with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) for help exiting Iran.</span></p>
<p data-start="1058" data-end="1320"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">In contrast, Italy has decided to keep its embassies operational in both Tehran and Tel Aviv. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani confirmed that charter flights are being arranged to help Italian nationals who wish to depart from the conflict-affected areas.</span></p>
<p data-start="1322" data-end="1635"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Meanwhile, Israel's military confirmed a series of overnight airstrikes on Tehran. The strikes targeted multiple locations believed to be part of Iran's missile and nuclear weapons programs, including facilities for missile production and the headquarters of the Organisation of Defensive Innovation and Research.</span></p>
<p data-start="1637" data-end="1938" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node=""><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">On the US front, former President Donald Trump is expected to decide within the next two weeks whether to support military action against Iran. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the decision will depend on whether any diplomatic negotiations with Iran emerge in the near future.</span></p>
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The Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong

Officials ordered to leave as security risks grow; support shifted to Azerbaijan for citizens

Australia shuts Iran embassy amid rising tensions

Officials ordered to leave as security risks grow; support shifted to Azerbaijan for citizens

June 20, 2025 | 18:07 IST