In response to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the Australian government has announced it will deploy six crisis response teams to assist the many Australians stranded in the region. Foreign Minister Penny Wong highlighted that there are still 'many thousands' needing help, underscoring the scale of the crisis and marking this as Australia's largest consular operation to date. The teams will support diplomats already present on the ground in facilitating the safe return of Australian citizens.

Wong stated that the situation remains complex, and while the teams will not disclose specific operational details for security reasons, their main objective is to coordinate evacuation efforts efficiently. The presence of Australian teams in the area aims to assure citizens that the government is taking significant measures to ensure their safety and return home amidst rising tensions due to recent military operations involving the US and Israel against Iran.

Additionally, Wong faced scrutiny regarding the legality of the military strikes carried out by the US and Israel, but she refrained from directly addressing these concerns during her press briefing. This implies ongoing geopolitical complexities that could affect diplomatic relations and actions in the region, showcasing the delicate balance between providing assistance to citizens and navigating international law and relations.