Australia Expels Iranian Ambassador Amid Accusations of Directing Antisemitic Attacks

Canberra, Australia – Australia has taken unprecedented diplomatic action against Iran, expelling its ambassador and three other officials, following intelligence findings that Tehran orchestrated antisemitic arson attacks on Australian soil. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Tuesday that the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) had gathered "credible intelligence" linking the Iranian government to incidents including the firebombing of a synagogue in Melbourne and a kosher cafe in Sydney in late 2024. The move marks the first time Australia has expelled an ambassador since World War II.

The Australian government's decision stems from a painstaking investigation by ASIO, which identified the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as directing these attacks through a network of proxies, including organized crime gangs. Mike Burgess, head of ASIO, stated that the IRGC attempted to conceal its involvement. In response, Australia has also suspended operations at its embassy in Tehran, withdrawing its diplomats, and plans to legislate to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization, aligning with the United States and Canada.

Iran has vehemently rejected Australia's accusations, with Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei stating the claims were "absolutely rejected" and that "any inappropriate and unjustified action on a diplomatic level will have a reciprocal reaction." Tehran suggested Australia's actions were influenced by internal political developments, including recent pro-Palestine protests. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi further called Albanese a "weak politician" in a social media post, asserting that "Iran is paying the price for the Australian people’s support for Palestine."

The diplomatic rupture comes amidst heightened tensions and a rise in antisemitic incidents in Australia since the Israel-Gaza conflict began in October 2023. The Australian Jewish community has welcomed the government's firm stance, with Daniel Aghion, president of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, describing the attacks as an affront to "our nation and our sovereignty." However, the Iranian diaspora in Australia has expressed concerns about potential repercussions for their families in Iran and the impact on visa applications following the IRGC's designation.