Australia, US issue evacuation orders for staff in UAE, Saudi Arabia amid Middle East tensions

Australia has urged family members of its diplomats and government staff in the United Arab Emirates to leave the country due to deteriorating security in the Middle East. Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated that the government updated its travel warnings, advising Australian citizens to avoid travel to the UAE while monitoring regional developments. Wong noted that more than 1,700 Australian citizens have returned home from the UAE on commercial flights since the crisis began, with around 115,000 Australians believed to have been in the Middle East at the outset.

The measures come amid escalating military exchanges involving Iran, Israel and the United States, heightening fears of broader conflict. Australia, a close US ally, said it does not plan to deploy forces but is reviewing requests for assistance against Iranian drone and missile attacks.

Separately, the US State Department has ordered non-essential staff and their families at its embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to depart. It advised US citizens to reconsider travel plans to Saudi Arabia, citing risks including potential Iranian drone and missile attacks on US interests, armed conflict, terrorism, travel restrictions and local social media laws. The New York Times reported this indicates US awareness of growing regional dangers.

The US had previously directed non-essential government staff and families to leave consulates in Lahore and Karachi, Pakistan, due to security concerns.

Khaama Press covered the Australian advisories for the UAE, while Pajhwok reported on US actions in Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, both linking the orders to heightened Middle East tensions.