Australia Urges 115,000 Citizens in Middle East to Register Amid Conflict Escalation
Foreign Minister Penny Wong has disclosed that approximately 115,000 Australians are currently located in the Middle East as the regional conflict intensifies rapidly. This announcement follows unprecedented air strikes by the United States and Israel, which resulted in the deaths of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior Iranian leaders, prompting retaliatory missile attacks on Israel and major Gulf cities, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha.
Government Response and Registration Portal
With over 100,000 citizens residing in the region and an additional 11,000 Australians traveling through daily, the federal government has established a dedicated registration portal. This system allows citizens in Iran, Israel, and the United Arab Emirates to receive direct updates and assistance from authorities. Senator Wong emphasized her priority during an interview on Sunrise on Monday, stating, "My focus and my first priority is to do all we can as a government in these very difficult circumstances to provide the information and to support, as best we can, Australians in the region." She strongly encouraged Australians requiring assistance to register promptly so officials can effectively track individuals in affected areas.
Evacuation Challenges and Broader Situation
Senator Wong described the overall situation as "pretty difficult," noting mounting casualties and airspace closures that complicate evacuation efforts. Reports indicate that Britain is considering evacuating up to 70,000 of its citizens via desert bus routes. Senator Wong highlighted that the most feasible method for large-scale evacuation would depend on the resumption of commercial flights, stating, "That's where you get the volume and the scale, and we hope that we will see that in the coming days and weeks."
Australia's Stance on Iran and Travel Warnings
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has expressed Australia's support for the US decision to attack Iran, labeling the regime as a "destabilising force" for decades. He affirmed Australia's solidarity with the Iranian people in their struggle against oppression, referencing attacks on Australian soil in 2024 targeting the Jewish community. In response, Australia expelled Iran's Ambassador, suspended embassy operations in Tehran, and listed the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a state sponsor of terrorism. Senator Wong defended this position, citing Iran's history of sponsoring terrorism and pursuing nuclear programs, while cautioning against externally imposed regime change due to sustainability concerns.
Australia has upgraded its travel advice for the United Arab Emirates to Do Not Travel, warning that escalating conflict and sudden airspace closures could strand travelers with minimal notice. Smarttraveller advises Australians to monitor official advice, confirm travel plans directly with airlines, and ensure registration with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for updates. Authorities continue to monitor the rapidly evolving situation amid fears of further regional spread of the conflict.
