SYDNEY/HONG KONG: Australia on Wednesday relaxed its travel advice for several Middle Eastern countries, allowing Australians to transit through and travel to the biggest Gulf air hubs with the security of being covered by insurance. Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the previous “do not travel” advisory had been lowered for the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Israel and Kuwait after the US and Iran reached an interim deal to end the war.

The move will clear a major hurdle for Australians flying to Europe for summer, after travel insurers refused to issue coverage for trips via the Middle East.

SYDNEY, June 17 (Reuters) - Australia on Wednesday relaxed its travel advice for Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates after the U.S. and Iran reached an…