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Australia closed its embassies in Abu Dhabi, Tel Aviv, and its consulate-general in Dubai, evacuating over 3,200 citizens due to the escalating Middle East conflict. Foreign Minister Penny Wong condemned Iran's attacks, emphasizing citizen safety as the top priority.

Australia Closes Embassies, Evacuates Citizens Amid Escalating Middle East Conflict

Penny Wong, Australia's Foreign Minister, confirmed last week that the embassies in Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv, along with the Consulate-General in Dubai, were all closed. Minister Wong emphasized that the Australian government's top priority is 'protecting the safety of its citizens both at home and abroad,' strongly criticizing Iran's dangerous and destabilizing attacks for threatening the lives of civilians, including Australians. Following regional conflict sparked by US and Israeli attacks on Iran, and the disruption of thousands of international flights, evacuation measures have seen over 3,200 Australians return home on 23 commercial flights to date.

Domestic Fuel Hoarding Controversy and Iranian Women's Football Team Asylum Issue

Domestically, Minister Penny Wong criticized Nationals senators for 'inciting people and creating fear,' thereby encouraging fuel hoarding. Oil companies stated that fuel stocks are arriving as expected, but surging demand patterns are impacting supply, particularly in regional communities. Meanwhile, it has been reported that one of two players from the Iranian women's football team, who were staying in Australia on humanitarian visas, had a change of heart and contacted the Iranian embassy. Australia's Home Affairs Minister commented that individuals are free to change their decisions in Australia, but also expressed concern that the Iranian embassy became aware of the team members' whereabouts.

*Source: The Guardian World (2026-03-11)*

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