Anthony Albanese has welcomed Donald Trump’s announcement of a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, while remaining “deeply concerned” about the welfare of Australians in the Middle East.

The prime minister on Tuesday responded to revelations from the US president that a ceasefire was due to take place within six hours following 12 days of conflict.

“We have consistently called for dialogue, diplomacy and de-escalation,” Albanese said.

“The safety of Australians in the region is our priority.

“We continue to closely monitor the situation in the Middle East and are deeply concerned about keeping Australians safe.”

Trump posted on his Truth Social platform a “complete and total ceasefire” had been “fully agreed” by Israel and Iran.

An initial 24-hour ceasefire period, which would progressively begin after any already in-progress attacks finished, would mark “an official end to the 12-day war”, he said.

US bombers dropped bunker-buster bombs on Iranian underground nuclear sites over the previous weekend, joining Israel’s conflict against Iran.

In response, Iran targeted the Al-Udeid US air base in Qatar with “powerful” retaliatory missiles on Monday night, local time.

Qatar’s government said it had successfully intercepted the missile attack and no deaths or injuries were recorded.

Iran reportedly provided prior notice of the strike, significantly reducing the chance of casualties.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong earlier condemned Iran’s attack.

“We do not want to see further escalation,” she wrote on social media site X.

“A full-scale war in the Middle East would be devastating for the people of the region and the world.”

US military officials said none of its bases in Iraq were targeted but that a malfunctioning Iranian missile aimed at Israel triggered an alert in Iraq earlier in the day.

Senator Wong urged Australians travelling abroad to register with Smartraveller, and pointed to cancellations of flights and airspace closures.

A Virgin Australia spokesperson said two flights operated by Qatar Airways for the airline had been diverted on the way to Doha following the temporary closure of airspace, and had landed safely.

“Guest recovery is being coordinated by Qatar Airways, including support on the ground and assistance with onward travel arrangements,” the airline said.

“The safety and wellbeing of our people and customers is our number one priority.

“Guests scheduled to travel on Virgin Australia services between Australia and Doha in the coming days are advised to closely monitor their flight information.”

Albanese on Monday backed the US intervention in the conflict between Iran and Israel after Washington ordered the bombing of three Iranian underground nuclear sites in the country’s west.

Cabinet minister Mark Butler said the government was still trying to evacuate about 3000 Australians registered for assistance to depart Iran and more than 1000 in Israel.

“We’ve been trying to do all that we can, particularly in land crossings,” he told Nine’s Today show on Tuesday.

“But our foreign affairs staff are working day and night to explore every possible opportunity to help Australians get out of there.”

Source: AAP