Australia’s embassies in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, and Tel Aviv, Israel, and its consulate in Dubai have been temporarily closed, Foreign Minister Penny Wong confirmed in a Senate question-and-answer session last week.
“The government’s top priority is to keep Australians safe at home and abroad,” Wong said. “Iran’s ongoing dangerous and destabilizing attacks are putting Australians’ lives at risk,” she added.
The regional conflict in the Middle East has escalated since the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran, affecting international flights and the safety of ordinary passengers. In this context, Australia has operated 23 commercial flights, through which more than 3,200 Australians have returned home.
During the question-and-answer session, Penny Wong criticized Nationals Party senators for spreading panic buying around the country. He warned that such situations are creating fear among the public and the government’s main goal is to ensure a peaceful and safe environment.
Australia’s move is aimed at ensuring the safety and safe repatriation of its citizens amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
