WANA (Aug 27) – The consular section of the Iranian Embassy in Australia announced that consular services for both Iranian and foreign nationals in Canberra are continuing, though with some delays due to “unforeseen developments.”

 

The embassy emphasized its commitment to providing services effectively and called for understanding from the Iranian community in Australia.

 

The announcement came shortly after Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese accused Iran of orchestrating at least two antisemitic attacks in Sydney and Melbourne.

 

Without presenting evidence, Albanese claimed that Australian intelligence services had linked Iran to the incidents targeting a restaurant in Sydney and a synagogue in Melbourne.

 

Following these remarks, the Australian government informed Iran’s ambassador that he would be expelled. Albanese also stated that Australian diplomats in Tehran would be relocated to a third country.

 

However, Foreign Minister Penny Wong noted that Canberra would maintain diplomatic ties with Tehran in order to “protect Australia’s interests.”

 

Albanese further said his government would move to designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization.

 

In response, Iran’s Foreign Ministry strongly rejected the accusations of promoting antisemitism, stressing that antisemitism is historically a Western and European phenomenon. The ministry said the term is now misused to suppress criticism of occupation, apartheid, and genocide against Palestinians.

 

Tehran condemned what it called the “heinous crimes and genocide” in Gaza and accused Australia of aligning with Israeli policies to divert attention from atrocities in the occupied Palestinian territories.

 

The ministry warned that Iran reserves the right to take reciprocal measures and held Canberra responsible for any consequences, including difficulties faced by the Iranian community in Australia.

Iran’s Embassy in Australia 

Iran’s Embassy in Australia. Social media/ WANA News Agency