Australia has issued a high-level travel warning for Iran, advising its citizens to avoid all travel to the country and urging those currently there to depart immediately. The advisory comes amid ongoing nationwide protests, which have led to significant security risks, communication disruptions, and reports of casualties and detentions.
Travel Advisory for Australian Citizens
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), via its Smartraveller website, has designated Iran as a Level Four travel risk, the highest on its scale, indicating a 'do not travel' recommendation. Australian citizens are advised to leave Iran now, while commercial travel options are still available, as potential airspace closures and flight cancellations could further complicate future departures.
Those who choose to remain in Iran despite the advisory are cautioned that they are responsible for their own safety. They are advised to prepare for extended periods of sheltering in place and ensure they have adequate supplies of water, food, and medication.
Key Risks for Travelers
- Detention Risk: There is a high risk of detention for Australians, including dual nationals. The Australian government cannot guarantee access to consular services or legal representation in such cases and may not be notified of detentions. An SBS News investigation in October 2024 reported at least two Australian citizens held in Iranian prisons, with their current status unconfirmed.
- Security Force Response: Security forces' responses to protests have been described as severe, resulting in injuries, fatalities, and detentions among both protesters and bystanders. Public gatherings and demonstrations should be avoided.
- Telecommunications Disruptions: Widespread blackouts are affecting telecommunications, including internet access, which authorities have historically restricted during periods of unrest.
- Terrorism Threat: A risk of terrorist attacks exists across Iran, particularly in Tehran. Potential targets include embassies, hotels, places of worship, tourist sites, government and military locations, and Western businesses.
Consular Services and Diplomatic Context
The Australian Embassy in Tehran has suspended operations, severely limiting Australia's capacity to provide consular assistance. DFAT suspended all embassy operations in August after attributing two alleged attacks on the Jewish community in Melbourne and Sydney to Iran. This diplomatic incident led to the expulsion of the Iranian ambassador from Australia.
Overview of Protests in Iran
Demonstrations across Iran began on December 28, initially stemming from economic challenges and a strike by shopkeepers. The protests subsequently expanded to focus on the country's clerical leadership, with participants reportedly chanting anti-government slogans.
According to the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), protests have spread to at least 111 cities, with another HRANA report indicating at least 618 gatherings across 187 cities and all 31 provinces. An Iranian Australian citizen, identified as Ali, described witnessing diverse participants, including families and religious individuals, in demonstrations in a city south of Tehran on January 8.
Casualties and Detentions
Reports on casualties and detentions vary among different sources:
- One source reported over 538 individuals had died in protests across Iran.
- HRANA reported at least 38 fatalities during the protests, comprising 29 civilians, four security force members, and five protesters under the age of 18 (over an 11-day period).
- Another HRANA report indicated over 2,600 protesters had been killed, with an additional 1,700 cases under investigation.
- London-based opposition network Iran International claims the death toll could be as high as 12,000.
- Eyewitness Ali reported witnessing two individuals shot near him and observing regime forces shooting and beating protesters. He also stated two of his friends were killed in Tehran and near Isfahan on January 8 and 9.
- Negin Ghadimi, a 28-year-old bio-electrical engineer, was reportedly killed during anti-government protests.
- HRANA reported 2,217 individuals had been arrested or identified by security forces (over an 11-day period). Another HRANA report expressed concerns for 19,000 individuals detained in the crackdown.
Government Response and Tactics
Iranian authorities have not confirmed figures related to casualties and detentions, referring to some participants in the demonstrations as 'rioters'. Iran's chief justice, Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Eje'i, stated that authorities would confront 'rioters' and those supporting them. The government has conducted military funerals for security personnel, accusing protesters of being 'armed terrorists' without providing evidence.
Eyewitnesses reported the use of tear gas and observed security forces shooting and beating protesters. Allegations include the public display of numerous bodies at a Tehran morgue facility, reportedly as an intimidation tactic, and coercion of families into signing documents stating deceased children were Basij militia members to retrieve their bodies, with a reported fee if not identified as such. Some eyewitnesses at protests reported hearing security forces speaking Arabic, suggesting potential involvement of proxy militias. The Institute for the Study of War noted that Iraqi militias, often used by Iran, control border crossings and may be more inclined to use lethal force.
Economic Context
The protests are reported to have been largely initiated by the country's economic challenges. Iran's rial currency has experienced significant depreciation against the US dollar, and inflation reached 42.5 per cent in December. The country has faced unrest in recent years alongside United States sanctions and price volatility affecting imported goods.
International Reactions
US President Donald Trump reportedly considered intervention options in response to the protests and the crackdown. However, The Wall Street Journal reported that US official sources advised against a large-scale strike, suggesting it was unlikely to overthrow the government and could escalate conflict. The US plans to monitor Tehran's handling of the protests before deciding on further actions.
Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong reiterated the advice for Australians in Iran to leave while commercial travel options remain available, citing high regional tensions and potential travel disruptions. The US State Department information published on January 13 indicated that several land border crossings were open, advising travelers to check entry requirements. An Iranian Australian citizen reported using a Starlink connection to book a flight out of the country, observing the airport was full of dual nationals attempting to depart.