Australia expels Iran's ambassador over antisemitic attacks
- Australia's Security Intelligence Organisation confirmed that Iran was behind antisemitic arson attacks in Sydney and Melbourne.
- Iran’s ambassador and three diplomatic staff were given seven days to leave the country, marking a historic expulsion.
- Australia has taken strong action to protect its Jewish community and uphold social cohesion amidst rising antisemitistic incidents.
In early 2025, Australia took significant diplomatic action against Iran by expelling its ambassador, Ahmad Sadeghi, following an investigation that revealed Iran's involvement in antisemitic arson attacks on Australian soil. The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) linked Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to these incidents, specifically pointing to attacks on a kosher restaurant in Sydney and the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that these attacks were part of a series of aggressive acts aimed at undermining social cohesion and inciting discord within the community. The decision to expel the Iranian ambassador marks the first time Australia has expelled a foreign ambassador since World War II, underscoring the gravity with which the Australian government views these incidents. In tandem with the expulsion, authorities warned Australian citizens in Iran to leave the country due to potential risks, as the diplomatic mission in Tehran was suspended for safety. This comprehensive response reflects a growing concern over rising antisemitic sentiments across Australia, particularly in the wake of heightened tensions following the Israel-Hamas conflict that escalated in late 2023. Intelligence findings indicated a troubling surge in antisemitic incidents since the onset of the Israel-Hamas war, with Australian officials emphasizing that while Iran's actions were particularly egregious, they do not believe the Iranian regime is accountable for all antisemitic occurrences in Australia. The expulsion and the decision to classify the IRGC as a terrorist organization demonstrate Australia's commitment to combatting hate and violence directed at Jewish Australians. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong reiterated the severity of the attacks and their impact on the community, categorizing the Iranian government's behavior as completely unacceptable. As part of Australia’s response, Albanese outlined plans to formally designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization, reinforcing this position of safeguarding communal harmony. Additionally, the Australian government has indicated ongoing investigations into multiple other potential Iranian-linked attacks on Jewish interests. Such comprehensive measures signify a larger strategy aimed at protecting vulnerable communities while sending a strong diplomatic message to Iran about its activities abroad.