Iranian drone attack hits Australia’s Middle East headquarters at Al Minhad

Australia says an Iranian drone attack struck its long-running Middle East headquarters at Al Minhad Air Base in the United Arab Emirates over the weekend, with all Australian personnel accounted for.

Defence Minister Richard Marles, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, confirmed the incident during a morning television interview on Tuesday. Marles said drones attacked the base on the first night of the weekend escalation, but stressed there were no injuries to Australian staff.

Australia has operated from Al Minhad since 2003, using the base as a central hub for regional missions and logistics. Marles said Australia has maintained a headquarters presence at the site for many years, and that the Australians working there are safe.

The Australian Defence Force has previously indicated that up to 80 Australians can be on base at any given time, depending on operational requirements.

The disclosure comes as the widening conflict across the region triggers airspace disruptions and flight cancellations. Australia has warned that around 115,000 Australian nationals are currently in the Middle East and many cannot leave due to airspace closures linked to the fighting.

Al Minhad sits about 24 kilometres south of Dubai and has served as a key staging point for Australian operations in the Middle East for more than two decades. Australia has not detailed the extent of any damage at the headquarters site, but the government’s immediate focus has been on personnel safety and the broader consular challenge created by the growing regional crisis.