Australia Issues Evacuation Order for Families of Diplomats in Israel, Lebanon Amid US-Iran Tensions

Australia has ordered the evacuation of the families of the diplomats in several countries in the Middle East.

The order comes as tensions continue to run high between Iran and the United States.

Evacuation Orders Issued for Diplomats’ Families

According to news.com.au, the evacuation order was given to Australian families in Lebanon and Israel.

Voluntary departures are also being offered for those in the following countries:

• Jordan
• Qatar
• United Arab Emirates

“Regional tensions remain high and there continues to be a risk of military conflict,” the Australian government’s Smartraveller said. “Conflicts in the Middle East could result in airspace closures, flight cancellations and other travel disruptions.”

Iran, as of writing, is on Level 4 of Smartraveller’s travel warnings, which means that Australians should not travel to the Middle Eastern country.

“Do not travel to Iran due to the risk of arbitrary detention and the volatile regional security situation,” Smartraveller says on its website.

Potential Military Conflict Between US and Iran

The evacuation of diplomats’ families comes as US President Donald Trump continues to build a strong military presence in the region. Trump is reportedly considering a limited military strike.

The two countries are working to see if they can reach a deal regarding Iran’s nuclear programme.

According to The Guardian, the US maintains that Iran should stop rebuilding its nuclear programme, but Iran has accused Trump of spreading lies.