Iran evacuations ‘difficult’ as ADF helps dozens more out of Israel

A second round of Australians fleeing Israel have been evacuated out of Tel Aviv while questions remain over citizens stranded in Iran.

Dozens of Australians fleeing Israel have been evacuated from Tel Aviv on a second government-assisted flight, NewsWire understands.

Twenty-Nine Australians and their immediate family members were on-board the plane overnight after Israel opened its airspace amid a ceasefire with Iran.

It is unclear how long the ceasefire will hold and the airspace could shut again with little-to-no notice.

Some 300 Australians were offered seats on the latest flight, which was supported by defence and diplomatic personnel.

Senior minister Katy Gallagher said on Thursday the government was “providing further assisted travel”.

Australian defence personnel have assisted Australians evacuating Israel. Picture: NewsWire / ADF / CPL Adam Abela

“We’ve had defence assets in the region ready to go for when air space opens up,” she told the ABC.

“We had 4000 Australians register in both Iran and Israel who have indicated they would like to come home.

“And so, those flights have helped with that.

“As airspace opens and more commercial options are available, we would expect to see more Australians coming home through those options as well.”

Earlier this week, 119 Australians were evacuated from Tel Aviv on a government-assisted flight.

DFAT officers, with ADF personnel, have supported an assisted departure flight from Tel Aviv with 119 Australians and their family members onboard.

The Australian Government continues to move quickly when opportunities to safely move Australians become available. pic.twitter.com/f2sc1iCiMq

— Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade 🇦🇺 (@dfat) June 25, 2025

As for Iran, Senator Gallagher said the situation was harder.

Australia closed its embassy in Tehran and moved diplomatic operations to neighbouring Azerbaijan last week.

“That’s obviously the most difficult country to return home from,” she said.

“We have (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade) staff assisting on the border of Azerbaijan and they will continue to be there.

“But, I haven’t been advised of any further changes to essentially how people are able to get out of Iran.

“It is difficult.”

Senator Gallagher said the government was “hoping that if the ceasefire holds … we would be able to see further options available to people”.

“Because obviously they are the ones that are really wanting to return home as soon as possible,” she said.