Australia tells citizens to leave Iran due to violent protests

Australia’s government told its citizens on Wednesday to leave Iran “as soon as possible” due to violent protests and a “volatile” security situation.“If you’re in Iran, you should leave as soon as possible,” an updated government travel advisory said.For all the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.“There’s ongoing violent nationwide protests that may further escalate without notice... the security situation is volatile,” it added.The protest wave began on December 28 with a shutdown by merchants in Tehran, triggered by anger over the rising cost of living. They have since spread to other areas, especially the west, which is home to Kurdish and Lor minority groups.Security forces have now killed at least 27 protesters, including five minors under the age of 18, the Norway-based NGO Iran Human Rights (IHR) said. Iranian authorities say members of security forces have also been killed, including a policeman who was shot dead on Tuesday.Australia’s