The Australian government has suspended embassy operations in Iran and ordered all officials and dependents to leave the country, citing a rapidly deteriorating security environment amid escalating conflict between Iran and Israel.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong confirmed the decision on Friday, stating that the embassy in Tehran has been closed based on security advice. All Australian diplomatic staff and their families have been directed to evacuate.

“Australia’s Ambassador to Iran will remain in the region to support our government’s response,” Wong said in a statement. Consular support staff from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) will be deployed to Azerbaijan to assist Australians exiting Iran.

“We urge Australians who can leave Iran to do so immediately, if it is safe. Those who cannot or choose not to are advised to shelter in place,” she added.

More than 2,000 Australian citizens have registered with DFAT for assistance in departing Iran, according to Xinhua.

In contrast, Italy announced it will maintain its embassy operations in both Tehran and Tel Aviv. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said the government will organize charter flights to help Italian nationals leave the region.

Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed it had conducted a series of overnight airstrikes in Tehran, targeting sites allegedly linked to Iran’s missile and nuclear weapons programs. These included military-industrial facilities and the headquarters of Iran’s Organisation of Defensive Innovation and Research.

In the U.S., White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that former President Donald Trump will decide within two weeks whether to authorize military action against Iran, as negotiations with Tehran remain uncertain.