Australia deploys military assets to Middle East amid regional conflict

The Australian government has deployed military assets and six crisis response teams to the Middle East as a contingency plan to evacuate its citizens, following heightened conflict in the region after US-Israeli strikes on Iran that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the situation as "dangerous" for those assisting Australians in the area. Officials confirmed that two aircraft have been sent: a heavy transport plane and a fuel transport plane, Says AFP.

The government estimates that around 115,000 Australian citizens are currently in the region. While military resources have been positioned to respond if needed, officials stressed that commercial flights remain the primary method for citizens to return home. The first of these commercial flights arrived in Sydney from Dubai on Wednesday.

"Get its citizens out" is the primary objective of Australia's deployment, according to government sources. In addition to the aircraft, six crisis response teams have been sent to provide support to Australians facing the escalating conflict.

New Zealand has also ordered two military aircraft to the region to prepare for the evacuation of its citizens.

Officials emphasized that while the military assets provide essential contingency support, the "best way" for citizens to return home continues to be through commercial flights. The deployment ensures that the government has the infrastructure in place to protect and extract its people if commercial options become unviable.