The military is being called in to help Australians trying to leave Iran and Israel, after the US gave itself two weeks to decide on whether to join the conflict between the Middle Eastern nations.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong stressed the government was not sending in the Australian Defence Force in combat roles, but only to assist citizens and residents.
She said any Australians left in Iran should leave if they can after closing the Australian embassy in the capital, Tehran, and ordering all diplomatic staff to depart.
“We are sending defence assets to help Australians – they are not there for combat,” Senator Wong told reporters on Friday.
“I wish that we had more capacity to assist, but the difficult reality is, the situation on the ground is extremely unstable.”
The defence personnel and aircraft are part of contingency plans to help Australians leave if and when the now-closed airspace in Israel and Iran reopens.
Some Iranian consulate staff have been sent to the closest land crossing in Azerbaijan to help Australians still in the nation.
Those attempting to leave for a neighbouring state have been warned to consider the risks, as borders may close without notice and roads are exposed to attacks.
There are also different visa rules for many of the bordering nations including Armenia, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan and Turkey.
Australians have been advised not to travel to Afghanistan, Iraq or parts of Pakistan that border Iran.
Iran and Israel have continued to trade strikes after the Israeli military began its attack a week ago in a bid to wipe out Iran’s nuclear program.
Overnight, US President Donald Trump, who has kept the world guessing about whether the US might join the war on Israel’s side, said he would make a decision within two weeks.
He noted there was a “substantial chance” of negotiations with Iran.
Mr Trump has demanded Iran unconditionally surrender, saying he knew where Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was hiding.
Iran has warned of “all-out war” if the US joins the fray.
Israeli strikes on Iran have killed at least 639 people and wounded 1300 others, according to a Washington-based Iranian human rights group.
Israel says Iran’s retaliatory strikes have killed at least 24 people and wounded hundreds.
The Australian government has repeatedly urged all parties involved to prioritise diplomacy and dialogue.
“Given what President Trump has said, there is an opportunity over the next two weeks for de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy,” Senator Wong said.
“That is what we want to see and that is what the world wants to see.
“Iran must come to the table and it must stop any nuclear weapons program.”
More than 2000 Australians have registered for assistance to leave Iran, up from 1500 on Thursday.
The government has already helped Australians flee Israel using a border crossing to Jordan.
There are still more than 1200 Australians registered for assistance to depart Israel, where the airspace is also closed.
with Reuters
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