Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has stressed that the safety of Australians in Iran and the wider Middle East is the government’s top concern as regional tensions continue to escalate. With recent military strikes and retaliatory actions disrupting daily life and travel, the federal government is urging caution and providing updates to help Australians stay informed and secure.
The conflict escalated after coordinated U.S. and Israeli airstrikes against Iran, prompting concern about potential broader hostilities and disruptions to travel in the region. In response, Australia has updated its official travel advisories and is urging citizens in several Middle Eastern countries to leave if it is safe to do so.
Albanese emphasised that the government is working closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) to monitor the situation around the clock. “Our priority is keeping Australians safe,” he said, noting that teams in Canberra are continuously reviewing the evolving situation to offer the best possible support to those affected.
My statement on Iran.
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) March 1, 2026
Australians requiring urgent consular assistance can contact the Consular Emergency Centre 24/7 on 1300 555 135 in Australia or +61 2 6261 3305 from outside Australia. pic.twitter.com/rFYswu9AwN
The federal government has upgraded travel warnings to “do not travel” for multiple countries in the region, including Israel, Lebanon, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, in addition to long-standing advice against travel to Iran due to ongoing security risks. Australians currently in these areas are encouraged to register with DFAT and keep abreast of updates before making travel decisions.
Efforts to assist Australians abroad include the activation of a 24/7 crisis centre and ongoing support through consular channels, although the government has acknowledged that direct evacuation from Iran remains challenging given the closure of diplomatic facilities and limited options on the ground.
Albanese also expressed hope for a peaceful resolution, emphasising that while Australia supports diplomatic efforts, avoiding a wider escalation remains a key objective. The government continues to monitor regional developments closely, urging Australians overseas to prioritise their safety and stay informed through official channels.
