Australia has issued a strong warning to its citizens currently in Iran, urging them to leave the country as soon as possible due to the rapidly deteriorating security situation. In an advisory published on its Smartraveller website, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade reiterated its long-standing guidance that Australians should avoid travelling to Iran altogether under the present circumstances.
In its public advisory released on Monday, January 12, the Australian government said that while commercial options to depart Iran are still available, they are becoming increasingly limited. It warned that sudden airspace closures and flight cancellations could occur at short notice, potentially making it impossible for people to leave later. Canberra made it clear that any Australian citizens who choose to remain in Iran despite the warning would be responsible for their own safety.
The advisory further cautioned that the security environment in Iran is “extremely volatile” and could worsen without warning. Australians who are unable or unwilling to leave immediately were advised to prepare for the possibility of sheltering in place for an extended period. The foreign department recommended that people ensure they have adequate supplies of food, water, and essential medications, while also being prepared for severe disruptions to travel and daily life.
The warning comes amid a sustained wave of protests sweeping across Iran, which first erupted on December 28 in response to soaring prices and economic hardship. What began as demonstrations over inflation and cost-of-living pressures has since evolved into a broader movement challenging the authority of the ruling clerical establishment of the Islamic Republic.
The unrest has also drawn sharp international attention. On Monday, US President Donald Trump said Washington was considering “some very strong options” in response to Tehran’s crackdown on protesters, including the possibility of military intervention. Trump has repeatedly warned Iran’s leadership that the United States would take action if Iranian security forces were to open fire on people participating in anti-government demonstrations.
Iranian authorities have responded with equally stark warnings. Tehran has said that any military attack on Iran would be met with retaliation against US interests and against Israel, a close American ally. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf stated that in the event of an attack, Israel as well as US bases and naval assets would be considered legitimate targets, underscoring the risk of a wider regional conflict.
In an effort to contain the unrest, the Iranian government has imposed a sweeping internet blackout since Thursday, severely restricting access to online platforms and communication tools. Authorities have accused Israel and the United States of fomenting the protests through foreign interference. While Iran has not released official casualty figures, the US-based rights group HRANA said it has verified the deaths of 490 protesters and 48 members of the security forces, along with more than 10,600 arrests.
Despite the grim outlook suggested by Trump’s remarks, there have also been mixed signals about the possibility of dialogue. Trump said the US could meet Iranian officials and claimed that Washington was in contact with opposition figures. In response, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Iran was prepared both for conflict and for talks. Speaking to foreign ambassadors in Tehran through an English translation, Araqchi insisted that the situation in the country was “under total control” following a spike in violence over the weekend.
Araqchi also claimed that Trump’s warnings had encouraged what he described as “terrorists” to target both protesters and security forces in an attempt to provoke foreign intervention. As tensions continue to rise and the risk of escalation grows, Australia’s warning reflects mounting international concern over the safety of foreign nationals and the broader implications of the crisis unfolding inside Iran.
