The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has successfully deployed two aircraft to the Middle East, arriving in Dubai to prepare for the repatriation of Australians currently in Israel.
A small group of Australians have already been bussed across the border from Tel Aviv into Amman in Jordan.
According to Foreign Minister Penny Wong, approximately 1,200 Australians in Israel have requested support, with an additional 1,500 Australians in Iran having registered for assistance.
The Australian government cautioned those attempting to exit the region via Jordan’s land borders to stay informed, as these crossings can open and close without much warning.
There are two land border crossings between Israel and Jordan, Sheikh Hussein/Jordan River near Irbid and Wadi Araba near Aqaba.
Israel’s airspace is currently closed amid constant rocket and drone attacks between the region and Iran.
The missile attacks escalated overnight, with Israel hitting dozens of sites in Iran’s west and in Tehran.
Israeli forces have also gone after a nuclear facility in Isfahan, south of the capital.
The US also carried out an attack on three Iranian nuclear sites, including Fordow, Trump confirmed today.
The Australian government evacuated the national embassy in Tehran on Friday.
Australia’s Ambassador to Iran remained in the region to support the government’s response to this crisis, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed.
“We are continuing planning to support Australians seeking to depart Iran, and we remain in close contact with other partner countries,” Wong said.
“At this stage, our ability to provide consular services is extremely limited due to the situation on the ground. The airspace remains closed.”
9news.com.au has contacted the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for comment.
