The deployment comes after US-Israeli strikes on Iran killed its supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, sparking fears of a wider conflict.

Officials confirmed that a heavy transport aircraft and a fuel transport aircraft were deployed to help Australians return home if needed. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told parliament that “military assets” had been sent to the region, though he did not provide further details.

“I thank those Australians going into a dangerous situation to help their fellow Australians,” Albanese said, praising those involved in the evacuation efforts.

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Officials said the safest way for Australians to return is on commercial flights. On Wednesday, the first flight carrying evacuees arrived in Sydney from Dubai.

Australia has about 115,000 citizens in the Middle East. New Zealand has also dispatched two military aircraft to the region to help evacuate its citizens.