ISTANBUL

Australia on Thursday asked its "nonessential" officials posted in Israel and the United Arab Emirates to leave amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the departure of Australian officials comes “due to the deteriorating security situation.”

“Essential Australian officials will remain in-country to support Australians who need it,” she said on US social media company X.

The minister reiterated the advisory that Australians should not travel to Israel and the UAE.

“We urge you to leave the Middle East if you can and if it’s safe to do so. Don’t wait until it’s too late. It may be the last chance for some time,” said Wong.

Tensions gripped the Middle East after Israel and the US launched joint attacks on Iran on Feb. 28 and have so far killed more than 1,300 people, including Ali Khamenei, the country's former supreme leader, and more than 150 schoolgirls.

Tehran retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and several Gulf countries hosting US military assets.