SYDNEY, Aug 26 – Australia has taken an unprecedented diplomatic step by expelling Iran’s ambassador following accusations that Tehran was directly involved in orchestrating antisemitic arson attacks in Sydney and Melbourne. The move marks the first time since World War II that Canberra has expelled an envoy, signaling the seriousness with which the government views the matter.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) had gathered credible intelligence linking Iran to two separate attacks on Jewish community sites. He said these actions were part of an attempt by a foreign government to undermine social cohesion and spread division within Australia.
“These were extraordinary and dangerous acts of aggression on Australian soil,” Albanese declared during a press briefing. “They were deliberate attempts to weaken our unity, disrupt community trust, and create discord among Australians.”
According to the government, Iran sought to conceal its involvement in the December arson attacks targeting a kosher restaurant in Sydney’s Bondi area and the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne’s Ripponlea suburb. While both incidents caused significant property damage, no lives were lost.
Iran Condemns Move as Australia Tightens Measures
Iran’s foreign ministry swiftly rejected Australia’s decision, arguing that antisemitism has no place in Iranian culture and describing Canberra’s move as politically motivated. Officials in Tehran said they would respond appropriately but did not elaborate on what measures they might take.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced that Iran’s ambassador, Ahmad Sadeghi, along with three other diplomats, had been given a week to depart the country. The expulsion has effectively suspended diplomatic representation, with Australian staff in Tehran relocated to a third country for safety.
Alongside the envoy’s removal, Australia plans to officially label Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist group. This marks another significant escalation in Canberra’s response and aligns with measures already taken by several of its allies.
ASIO Director General Mike Burgess explained that the IRGC had been using intermediaries, including members of criminal gangs in Australia, to carry out operations. “They are relying on intermediaries to carry out their instructions. These are not isolated individuals but people recruited or directed to conduct crimes on behalf of a foreign government,” Burgess said.
Jewish community leaders welcomed the decision, calling the attacks not just assaults on property but on the very fabric of Australia’s democratic society. Daniel Aghian, president of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, described them as acts of intimidation designed to instill fear. “The attackers intentionally struck a synagogue that had been established by Holocaust survivors. These attacks aimed to terrify Jewish Australians and destroy their sense of safety,” he stated.
Israel’s embassy in Canberra also praised the Australian government’s action, noting that Iran poses a threat not only to Jews and Israel but also to the international community.
Community Reactions and Legal Proceedings
Australian police continue to investigate the two arson incidents. In the case of the Melbourne synagogue fire, authorities have charged two men and are analyzing electronic devices seized during searches. The suspects are due to appear in court this week, while investigators believe at least three people were involved in the attack.
The fire in Bondi caused severe damage, destroying a prominent kosher restaurant. The man charged in connection with that attack has alleged ties to an Australian motorcycle gang. He denies the allegations and has been released on bail pending further hearings.
Community responses have been divided but vocal. The Australian Iranian Community Organisation welcomed the government’s strong stance, particularly the designation of the IRGC as a terrorist group. “This is an important step toward safeguarding Australia from foreign interference,” its president, Siamak Ghahreman, said in an interview.
Australia is home to around 90,000 people of Iranian origin, many of whom have expressed concerns about Tehran’s influence on diaspora communities. The expulsion of Iran’s envoy is seen by some as a protective measure for those who fled authoritarian policies.
Meanwhile, the wider debate over the Middle East conflict continues to fuel tensions within Australia. Earlier this month, the government recognized a Palestinian state, a move that strained relations with Israel. Large pro-Palestinian demonstrations have been held across the country, with thousands marching through Sydney’s Harbour Bridge calling for humanitarian aid in Gaza.
The conflict has had far-reaching consequences. According to Palestinian authorities, more than 62,000 people in Gaza have been killed since the fighting began, while humanitarian organizations warn that a blockade has led to severe food shortages and starvation. Jewish groups in Australia have voiced concerns that the protests at times foster an unsafe atmosphere, though some groups have still taken part in the demonstrations to advocate for peace.
At the same time, Islamophobia has sharply increased. The civil society group Islamophobia Register reported a 500% rise in complaints from October 2023 onwards, with cases spanning workplaces, universities, and the media. Over 1,500 incidents have been documented in less than a year, underscoring the growing challenge of maintaining social harmony.
Albanese emphasized that Australia’s actions are designed to protect the integrity of its democracy and shield communities from foreign-directed violence. “This is about defending our sovereignty. No foreign power will be allowed to intimidate Australians or undermine the safety of our citizens,” he said.