Australia said on Friday it had suspended operations at its embassy in Tehran, citing a deteriorating security situation as Israel hit Iran’s nuclear facilities again, and the week-old air war showed no sign yet of an exit strategy from either side.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said 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.
Israel launched a sweeping aerial campaign against Iran last Friday, calling it a preemptive strike to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Iran has denied any such plans and retaliated by launching counterstrikes on Israel.
AUSTRALIA SHUTS DOWN TEHRAN EMBASSY AS IRAN-ISRAEL CONFLICT ESCALATES
