Australia shuts down embassy in Tehran

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said on Friday it had suspended operations at its embassy in Tehran, citing a deteriorating security situation amid the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict, reports Reuters.

"Australian defence personnel and aircraft were being deployed to the Middle East as part of contingency plans to help evacuate its citizens and diplomats when the airspace opens," she said during a media conference.

"Consular staff are being sent to neighbouring Azerbaijan, including its border crossings, to support Australians departing Iran by road," Wong said.

Around 2,000 Australians and their families in Iran have sought assistance to leave the country, official data showed.

Australia's ambassador to Iran, Ian McConville, would remain in the region to support the government's response.

The security risk to foreign diplomats and citizens in Iran has increased significantly due to the ongoing conflict. Several countries have previously issued advisories urging their nationals to leave Iran.