Australia expels Iranian diplomats over directed antisemitic attacks

In recent months, Australia has faced a surge in antisemitic incidents, notably following the outbreak of violence in the Israel-Hamas conflict on October 7, 2023. As a response to escalating concerns regarding national security and community cohesion, Australian intelligence agencies uncovered credible information indicating that the Iranian government orchestrated two specific attacks: the arson of the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne on December 6 and the firebombing of Lewis' Continental Kitchen in Sydney on October 20. Consequently, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the expulsion of Iranian Ambassador Ahmad Sadeghi and three other diplomats, marking the first such actions against an ambassador since World War II. The Australian government took these steps to underline the severity of Iran's actions, which were described as dangerous acts aimed at undermining social cohesion within the country. In connection with the hostile activities attributed to Iran, the Australian government has also intent to designate the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization, aligning with similar actions taken by the United States in 2019. The domestic spy agency, ASIO, played a key role in revealing the links between the Iranian government and the antisemitic incidents, reporting that organized crime and IRGC agents were involved in a network designed to obscure Iran's direct participation. In addition to these expulsions, Australia has withdrawn its diplomats from Iran and suspended operations at its embassy in Tehran. As tensions increase in the region, this situation reflects deeper geopolitical issues and the ramifications of international relations, particularly as Australia contemplates its recognition of Palestinian statehood at the United Nations.