Are Australian Military Assets Being Deployed to the Middle East for Citizen Evacuation?
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Synopsis
In a rapid response to escalating tensions, the Australian government is deploying military assets to the Middle East to assist its citizens in evacuating from Iran and Israel. With around 3,200 Australians registered for assistance, Foreign Minister Penny Wong emphasizes the non-combat role of the Australian Defence Force while urging citizens to leave if safe.
Key Takeaways
- Military assets deployed to assist in evacuating citizens.
- Over 3,200 Australians registered for government assistance.
- DFAT crisis response team sent to Azerbaijan.
- Wong emphasizes the non-combat role of defence assets.
- Citizens are encouraged to leave Iran if safe.
Canberra, June 20 (NationPress) The Australian government has mobilized military resources to the Middle East to assist in the evacuation of its citizens from Iran and Israel.
Penny Wong, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, stated on Friday that personnel and aircraft from the Australian Defence Force (ADF) are being sent to the region as part of contingency measures to aid Australian citizens in leaving, should the currently closed airspace reopen.
"I want to emphasize that we are dispatching defence assets specifically to assist Australians. They are not intended for combat operations," she informed reporters in South Australia.
In addition to the ADF assets, a crisis response team from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) will be deployed to Azerbaijan to support Australians who manage to exit Iran without governmental aid.
As of Friday, approximately 2,000 Australian citizens in Iran and 1,200 in Israel have registered with DFAT for government evacuation assistance.
Wong urged any Australians capable of safely departing Iran to do so and advised those unable to leave to find shelter.
Earlier that day, the Australian government halted its embassy functions in the capital of Iran and instructed officials to vacate the country amid the rising military tensions in the area.
Minister Wong stated that the government has ordered the withdrawal of all Australian officials and their families from Iran and suspended operations at the embassy in Tehran due to the "deteriorating" security situation.
She noted that Australia’s Ambassador to Iran will continue to support the government's crisis response, and DFAT consular staff will be sent to Azerbaijan to assist Australians departing from Iran.
"We encourage Australians who can leave Iran to do so immediately, if it is safe. Those who cannot or choose not to leave are advised to shelter in place," Wong added.
As of Friday, over 2,000 Australian citizens had sought DFAT's assistance for leaving Iran.
In contrast, Italy has decided to maintain its embassy operations in both Tehran and Tel Aviv while coordinating charter flights for Italian nationals wishing to exit the two countries, as stated by Antonio Tajani, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
Meanwhile, the Israel Defence Forces have reported conducting a series of airstrikes in Tehran, targeting numerous sites associated with Iran's missile and nuclear weapons programs.
Point of View
I maintain that it is essential for Australia to prioritize the safety and well-being of its citizens abroad. The government's proactive approach in deploying military assets not only demonstrates a commitment to safeguarding Australian lives but also reflects the seriousness of the current geopolitical climate in the Middle East.
NationPress
20/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the Australian government to deploy military assets to the Middle East?
The decision was made in response to escalating military conflicts in the region, particularly affecting Australian citizens in Iran and Israel.
How many Australians are currently registered for evacuation assistance?
Approximately 3,200 Australians, with around 2,000 in Iran and 1,200 in Israel, have registered with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for assistance.
What role will the Australian Defence Force play in this operation?
The ADF is being deployed to provide support for evacuations and is not intended for combat operations.
What should Australians in Iran do?
Australians in Iran are urged to leave if it is safe, while those unable to leave are advised to shelter in place.
What is the Australian government’s stance on embassy operations in Iran?
The Australian government has suspended operations at its embassy in Tehran and directed the departure of all officials and their dependents.
