Australia Prepares Mass Evacuation as 2,700 Citizens Seek Departure from Middle East

Government maintains diplomatic stance as reports emerge of US attack approval against Iran

CREDIT: Deputy PM Richard Marles FB page

Australia is preparing contingency plans to evacuate 2,700 citizens from Iran and Israel as the Middle East crisis escalates, with Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles confirming both civilian and military aircraft are being positioned for potential mass repatriation operations.

Marles told ABC's Afternoon Briefing that approximately 1,500 Australians in Iran and 1,200 in Israel have registered for assisted departure, representing one of the largest potential civilian evacuations in recent Australian history.

"We've got 2,700 Australians in the region who are looking for assisted departure," Marles said. "And obviously we will act as if we have an opportunity to do so at that scale."

The Deputy Prime Minister confirmed that both Australian Defence Force assets and civilian aircraft options are being explored, though he declined to provide specific operational details for security reasons.

"We are looking at both civilian aircraft and charters, which would allow us to get aircraft in. We're also working out how we can use our own assets," Marles said.

The evacuation preparations come as Israeli missiles struck Soroka Hospital in southern Israel following Iranian attacks, prompting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to declare: "We will exact the full price from the tyrants in Tehran."

Government Calls for De-escalation Amid US Action Reports

The Australian government is advocating for diplomatic solutions as US media reports suggest President Donald Trump has approved potential military action against Iran, though Marles refused to comment on the unconfirmed reports.

"Our response to this conflict is to seek de-escalation," Marles said. "We want to see diplomacy and dialogue being pursued at this moment, and we are deeply concerned about the risk of escalating even more."

When pressed repeatedly about Australia's position if the United States intervenes militarily, Marles maintained focus on de-escalation while acknowledging regional security threats.

"We absolutely acknowledge Israel's right to defend itself. And we absolutely acknowledge the threat that the Iranian nuclear and ballistic missile program represents to the peace and stability of the region and the world," he said.

The Deputy Prime Minister referenced recent international discussions about Iran's nuclear capabilities, noting French President Emmanuel Macron's recent address at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore highlighting similar concerns.

"President Macron was the keynote speaker there and spoke very eloquently but forcefully about exactly this point and about what that threat represented," Marles said.

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