Israel-Iran war: More Australians to flee battlezone as Government warns of ‘complicated’ situation

Another group of Australians are set to be evacuated from Israel in the coming hours, as the Government acknowledges it will be “complicated” and “risky” to get people out of Iran.

Since the Israel-Iran crisis began on Friday, 1500 Australians have registered for assistance to leave Iran and 1200 in Israel.

Penny Wong said a “small group” of people had been helped out of Israel and into Jordan via bus during a “small window” of opportunity on Wednesday.

Another bus is planned to leave Tel Aviv on Thursday.

She said Australia would seek to continue to try and get people out, but acknowledged the fluidity of the Israel-Iran conflict made it difficult.

“It’s a very complicated situation . . . the airspace has been closed in both Israel and Iran,” she said.

“Obviously, the situation on the ground is fluid. Iran is a very complicated situation, a very risky situation.

“I think we all know that. Our travel advice remains the same and it is that people, if you are able to leave safely, you should do so. If not, shelter in place.”

She later said there were “real limits, hard limits, on what the Government can do”.

“We’ve been hoping to get the capacity for aircraft to get in and out, but at this stage airports and the airspace are still closed. In Israel we have additional options, whereas in Iran it is very difficult,” she said.

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said the Government was working on “a number of contingencies”, including looking at both military and civil options, to get Australians out as soon as a window opens.

“We want to be ready if there is an opportunity where the airspace opens up,” he told ABC News.

“There is an enormous amount of work going on with the ADF, and we’re looking at other civilian options . . . What we’re doing is working the options so we are ready to go in the event that airspace opens up.”

The latest advice sent from the Government on Iran recommended Australians wanting to leave to try and do so via land crossings if it is safe.

“The security situation could continue to deteriorate rapidly. If you’re in Iran, you should depart when it’s safe to do so. The Australian Government may not be able to assist with your departure,” the latest Smart Traveller advice said.

The Government says crossings into Turkiye are still open at Gurbulak (Bazargan) in Agri province and Kapikoy (Razi) in Van province for third country nationals with an e-visa to enter Turkiye.

The land border with Armenia at Agarek is still open, and Australians do not need a visa for stays of less than 180 days.

The Government said it could facilitate with Azerbaijan authorities if Australians wanted to cross that border, same as for Turkmenistan — with onward travel arrangements best organised from within Iran.

Australians are strongly advised against crossing into Afghanistan, Iraq, or the regions of Pakistan bordering Iran.