Australians advised to shelter in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain

In the Middle East, Australians in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain have been advised to shelter in place due to escalating tensions between the US and Iran.

These countries host major US air bases.

The Australian embassies in these nations have issued alerts following similar guidance from the US embassies, advising Australians to limit their movements and stay close to home.

Meanwhile, air raid sirens are sounding in Israel, where a retaliatory attack from Iran is reportedly underway.

Israel has declared a state of emergency, and its military has confirmed intercepting ballistic missile launches from Iran.