The Australian government has issued an emergency directive to all citizens remaining in Iran to leave the country immediately, warning that a rapidly deteriorating security environment has pushed the nation to a breaking point.
The 07 January 2026 update from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) marks a significant escalation in rhetoric. While the Australian Embassy in Tehran has remained suspended since June 2025 following a diplomatic breakdown, today’s “leave as soon as possible” order is a response to the “explosive” civil unrest that has gripped 45 cities over the last 10 days. Officials warned that with no diplomatic presence on the ground, the government is powerless to assist those caught in the crossfire or detained by the regime.
The urgency of the evacuation order stems from a violent crackdown on demonstrations that began in late December 2025. Human rights monitors reported on Wednesday that the death toll has risen to at least 25, including four minors, as the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) employs live ammunition to quell the uprising. The unrest, initially sparked by a 30 per cent devaluation of the rial, has evolved into a broad political revolt, with protesters in Tehran and Mashhad chanting slogans directly targeting the Supreme Leader.
“The security situation is volatile and may further escalate without notice,” the Smartraveller advisory stated. “If you remain in Iran despite our advice, you are responsible for your own safety.” The warning highlighted a particular danger for dual nationals, who face an extreme risk of arbitrary detention. Under current conditions, the Australian government may not even be notified if a citizen is arrested, and access to legal representation cannot be guaranteed.
The situation on the ground has been described as a “bloodbath” in some provinces. In the western city of Malekshahi, security forces reportedly opened fire on unarmed crowds on Saturday, causing casualties that overwhelmed local hospitals. On 05 January, reports emerged of security forces raiding the Khomeini Hospital in Ilam to arrest wounded protesters directly from their beds.
International travel options are also narrowing. Several major airlines have suspended flights into Tehran due to GPS “spoofing” and the risk of airspace closures. DFAT has advised those attempting to leave by land to exercise extreme caution, particularly near the borders of Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, which are designated as “extremely dangerous” zones.
The Australian government’s latest move mirrors similar emergency bulletins issued by the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada over the last 48 hours, signaling a coordinated international assessment that Iran has entered a period of unprecedented instability.
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