Foreign Minister Penny Wong confirms embassy closures while warning of civilian risks from Iran's destabilizing attacks across the region.
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Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong confirmed that embassies in Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv, plus the consulate in Dubai, have physically closed within the past week as Middle East tensions escalate. Wong warned that Iran's "dangerous and destabilising attacks" put civilian lives at risk, including Australians abroad. More than 3,200 Australians have returned home on 23 commercial flights since the regional conflict began.
The crisis stems from recent US and Israeli attacks on Iran, which triggered a broader regional conflict and grounded thousands of international flights. Iraqi officials report at least one person was killed when Iranian forces targeted oil tanker supplies, prompting the US to order the release of 172 million barrels from its strategic petroleum reserve to stabilize markets. The attacks have disrupted global energy supplies and raised concerns about civilian safety.
The conflict has created significant logistical challenges, with fuel panic buying reported across Australia despite petroleum companies assuring continued supply deliveries. Wong criticized opposition senators for "stoking fear" that led to jerry cans disappearing from store shelves and long lines at gas stations. The government maintains that fuel stocks continue arriving on schedule, though demand patterns have shifted dramatically.
Wong emphasized that the government's top priority remains keeping "Australians safe at home and abroad" amid the deteriorating security situation. The embassy closures represent a significant escalation in Australia's response to regional instability. Additional diplomatic evacuations may follow if conditions continue to worsen across the Middle East theater.