Australia confirms its Middle East headquarters was struck by Iranian drones, with all personnel safe as regional conflict escalates.

AL MINHAD AIR BASE: Australia has confirmed its military headquarters in the United Arab Emirates was struck by an Iranian drone attack over the weekend. Defence Minister Richard Marles stated all Australian personnel at the base are safe and accounted for.

The Al Minhad Air Base, located 24 kilometres south of Dubai, was hit during the first night of regional hostilities. Marles, who is also deputy prime minister, confirmed the attack during a television interview.

The strike followed a US-Israeli assault on Iran that killed supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday. This action has triggered widespread conflict across the Middle East.

Iran launched waves of retaliatory missile attacks targeting the UAE over the weekend. These strikes damaged Dubai International Airport and the Jebel Ali seaport, which hosts US warships.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has publicly backed the US-Israeli action that precipitated the crisis. The escalating conflict has severely disrupted regional air travel.

Australia currently has approximately 115,000 nationals in the Middle East who are unable to fly out due to airspace closures. The Al Minhad base has hosted Australian forces since 2003.

It serves as the primary hub for Australia’s operations in the region. Up to 80 Australian personnel are on the base at any given time.