Australia expects Iran war to intensify, shuts some Middle East embassies
The Straits Times
Australia has also directed dependants of diplomatic officials in the UAE and Israel to leave. Read more at straitstimes.com.
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SYDNEY - Australia has closed its embassies in Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv as well as its consulate in Dubai, the foreign minister said on March 11, amid fears the conflict in the Middle East could intensify.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said at least nine cities where Australian embassies and consulates are located have experienced missile and drone attacks.
“Iran’s reprisal attacks continue at scale and at a depth that we have not seen before,” she told Parliament.
The conflict was “likely to intensify and continue in the near term”, she said.
“Our missions in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Tel Aviv have all had to physically close in the last week.”
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