Iran vowed to “open the gates of hell” in retaliation.

‘We’re all deeply concerned’

“Both of us, I think, share a view wanting to see a de-escalation of conflict, wanting to prioritise dialogue and diplomacy,” Albanese said on Monday morning.

Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles expressed concern the bombing could escalate into a larger conflict in the region. Source: AP / Rami Shlush

“Our concern about Iran gaining the capacity of nuclear weapons is something that is a threat to security in the region. But we, along with other like-minded countries, do want to see that priority on dialogue and diplomacy,” Albanese said.

“That is why we are exercising our voice, along with countries like the United States, like France, Germany, the UK, to urge for diplomacy and dialogue.”

Foreign Minister Penny Wong said hundreds of Australians stuck in Israel and Iran have asked for help to leave the region as tensions escalate. Source: Getty / Kobi Wolf/Bloomberg

Labor frontbencher Amanda Rishworth described the escalation as “alarming”.

Iranian health ministry spokesperson Hossein Kermanpour said on social media 1,277 other people were hospitalised, and asserted that more than 90 per cent of the casualties were civilians.

“They should never be given the opportunity to have a nuclear weapon.”

Does Iran have nuclear weapons?

The International Atomic Energy Agency estimates Iran’s stockpile of 60 per cent enriched uranium could be enough to produce approximately six nuclear bombs if further enriched to the final level.