Australia has halted operations at its embassy in Tehran, citing a worsening security situation in the country. All Australian diplomatic staff have been instructed to leave, according to a statement from Foreign Minister Penny Wong.

Although the embassy has been closed, the ambassador will stay in the region to assist with the government’s ongoing response to the crisis.

“We are continuing planning to support Australians seeking to depart Iran, and we remain in close contact with other partner countries,” Wong stated.