Australia expels Iranian ambassador after intelligence links Tehran to antisemitic attacks

Australia has severed diplomatic ties with Iran and expelled its ambassador after intelligence services determined Tehran directed antisemitic attacks on Jewish targets in Sydney and Melbourne, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Monday.

The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) concluded Iran orchestrated arson attacks against the Lewis Continental Kitchen kosher business in Sydney in October 2024 and the Addas Israel synagogue in Melbourne in December 2024.

“ASIO has gathered enough credible intelligence to reach a deeply disturbing conclusion,” Albanese told reporters. “The Iranian government directed at least two of these attacks. Iran has sought to disguise its involvement, but ASIO assesses it was behind the attacks”.

“These were extraordinary and dangerous acts of aggression orchestrated by a foreign nation on Australian soil,” he said. “They were attempts to undermine social cohesion and sow discord in our community. It is totally unacceptable”.

Iranian Ambassador Ahmad Sadeghi was expelled, and Australian diplomats in Iran were moved to a third country. Australians in Iran were urged to “strongly consider leaving as soon as possible, if it is safe to do so”.

The government warned that “foreigners in Iran, including Australians and dual Australian-Iranian nationals, are at a high risk of arbitrary detention or arrest”.

Albanese also announced plans to legislate designating the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation. The IRGC has been accused of carrying out attacks abroad throughout its existence, though it broadly denies involvement.

The Executive Council of Australian Jewry welcomed the terrorist designation for the IRGC, stating it was “outraged” that a foreign actor was behind the crimes.

“Foremost, these were attacks that deliberately targeted Jewish Australians, destroyed a sacred house of worship, caused millions of dollars of damage and terrified our community,” the statement said.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Canberra would maintain some diplomatic channels with Tehran to advance Australia’s interests.

Tehran did not immediately respond to the announcement.

(information from Euronews)