Australia Expels Iran’s Ambassador, Halts Tehran Embassy
WANA (Aug 26) – Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Tuesday accused Iran of orchestrating at least two “antisemitic attacks” in the country and announced a series of measures, including expelling Iran’s Ambassador in Australia, against Tehran.
Speaking to reporters, Albanese claimed—without presenting evidence—that Australian intelligence services had linked Iran to an attack on a restaurant in Sydney and another on a synagogue in Melbourne.
Shortly before his announcement, the Australian government informed Iran’s ambassador in Canberra that he would be expelled. Albanese added that Australian diplomats stationed in Tehran would be relocated to a third country.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong, however, stressed that Australia would maintain diplomatic ties with Iran “to advance the interests of Australians.”
Referring to the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), Albanese alleged: “ASIO has gathered sufficient credible intelligence to reach a deeply concerning conclusion. The Iranian government directed at least two of these attacks. Iran attempted to conceal its involvement, but ASIO assesses that Tehran was behind them.”
The prime minister further stated that Canberra would move to designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a “terrorist organization” under Australian law.
Israel Welcomes Australia’s Anti-Iran Decision
The Israeli embassy in Australia immediately welcomed Canberra’s move against Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), issuing a statement that read: “This is a step we have long called for.”
According to media reports, antisemitic incidents have risen in Sydney and Melbourne since Israel launched its war on the Palestinian group Hamas in 2023. Nevertheless, critics note that the Australian government has escalated tensions without providing verifiable documentation.
Australia has also witnessed repeated pro-Palestinian demonstrations in recent months. Earlier this week, following reports of famine in Gaza, the country saw its largest-ever rally in support of Palestine, with some 500,000 people across major cities calling for sanctions against Israel and an end to arms trade with Tel Aviv.
Protesters rally across Australian cities to demand an end to the Gaza genocide. Social media/ WANA News Agency
Australia’s Allegations Against Iran Are Completely Rejected
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Baghaei, in his press conference, reacted to reports of the expulsion of the Iranian ambassador from Australia, calling the allegations “absolutely unfounded.”
“Naturally, any inappropriate or unjustified diplomatic action will elicit a reciprocal response. This is a new development, and my colleagues are currently reviewing the matter to decide how the Islamic Republic of Iran will respond,” he said.
He emphasized that the accusations are entirely baseless. “Concepts such as anti-Jewish sentiment, anti-Semitism, or hostility toward Semitic people have no place in our culture, history, or religion. These are Western and European phenomena,” he added.
Over the past two weeks, millions in Australia have participated in demonstrations protesting the killing of Palestinians in the occupied territories, which might be the reason for this action, he added.
“The recent action against Iran, which is essentially an action against diplomacy and bilateral relations, appears to be a response to the limited criticisms that the Australian side has raised against the Israeli regime in this period,” the spokesperson noted.
Iran’s Embassy in Australia. Social media/ WANA News Agency
Araghchi Responds to Australian Government’s Move
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi wrote on his X account:
“I have never shared views with war criminals under prosecution, but Netanyahu is right on one point: the Australian Prime Minister is indeed a weak politician.”
“Iran is home to one of the oldest Jewish communities in the world, with dozens of synagogues. To accuse Iran of attacking such places in Australia, while we make every effort to protect them in our own country, is utterly meaningless.”
“It seems Iran is being forced to pay the price for the Australian people’s support for Palestine. Canberra should know better: seeking to appease a regime led by war criminals will only embolden Netanyahu and those like him.”
Araghchi Responds to Australian Government’s Move. Social Media / WANA News Agency
