CANBERRA, June 20 (Xinhua) -- The Australian government has suspended its embassy operations in Iran's capital and ordered officials to leave the country amid the escalating military conflict in the region.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong said on Friday morning that the government has directed the departure of all Australian officials and their dependents from Iran and suspended operations at the embassy in Tehran based on advice about the "deteriorating" security environment.

She said in a statement that Australia's ambassador to Iran will remain in the region to support the government's response to the crisis and that Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) consular staff will be deployed to Azerbaijan to support Australians departing Iran.

"We urge Australians who are able to leave Iran to do so now, if it is safe. Those who are unable to, or do not wish to leave, are advised to shelter in place," Wong said.

As of Friday, more than 2,000 Australian citizens had registered with DFAT for assistance leaving Iran. ■