Iran Has Not Closed Its Embassy in Australia
WANA (Sep 07) – Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei, in an interview with Australia’s Channel 9, stressed that contrary to some claims, Iran has not shut down its embassy in Australia, adding that it was the Australian government that decided to downgrade diplomatic relations.
“The decision to reduce diplomatic ties was not ours,” Baghaei said. “We value our relations with Australia and still hope the Australian government will reconsider this decision.”
Baghaei described Canberra’s move to expel Iran’s ambassador as “unjustified and unexpected,” linking it to external pressure. He referred to a letter from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, saying: “Less than 10 days after Netanyahu issued an ultimatum to the Australian government, this decision was made. It seems some officials in Canberra chose the easiest path to satisfy him—by accusing Iran of anti-Semitism.”
Iran and Australia flag. Social media/ WANA News Agency
According to Baghaei, Australia accused Iran of involvement in arson attacks on a synagogue and a restaurant in Melbourne. He dismissed the allegations as “baseless and fabricated,” pointing out that “Mossad was the main source of these claims.” He added: “This is similar to the fabricated intelligence about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq back in 2003.”
Rejecting any anti-Jewish actions, the spokesman said: “Anti-Semitism has no place in Iran’s history, religion, or politics. Iranians have long coexisted peacefully with Jews, Christians, and Zoroastrians, and synagogues in Iran operate freely.”
Baghaei also criticized the potential move by some Western countries to blacklist Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist group, calling it “part of an Iranophobia campaign.” He stressed: “The IRGC is an official branch of Iran’s armed forces, tasked with defending the nation’s sovereignty and people.”
He further rejected claims that Iran monitors or harasses the Iranian diaspora in Australia, calling such reports “completely false.” He warned, however, that the downgrade in relations would negatively affect consular services for Iranians living in Australia.
Commenting on U.S. and Israeli attacks against Iran’s nuclear facilities, Baghaei stated: “This is the first time that the peaceful nuclear facilities of an NPT member have been attacked. The U.S. president’s admission to such acts only increases their international responsibility for this unlawful behavior.”
Addressing the Australian prime minister directly, Baghaei concluded: “Instead of giving in to pressure from Israel, listen to your own people. Australians have taken to the streets to protest the crimes being committed in Palestine. It would be better for you to stand on the right side of history.”
Araghchi Responds to Australian Government’s Move. Social Media / WANA News Agency
