In a landmark decision, Australia has expelled Iran’s ambassador and closed the Iranian embassy in Canberra after intelligence agencies concluded that Tehran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) was behind a series of antisemitic arson attacks in Sydney and Melbourne.
The move marks the first time since World War II that Australia has expelled an ambassador, signaling the seriousness with which the government views the threat.
Foreign Interference Exposed
According to the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), the IRGC coordinated the attacks using a complex network of intermediaries, including offshore criminal syndicates and local operatives, to conceal its role. Officials described the operation as an attempt to destabilize Australia’s multicultural fabric and “fan the flames of hatred” within society.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the attacks as “deliberate acts of aggression by a foreign state on Australian soil,” stressing that the government will not tolerate attempts to divide the nation or endanger minority communities.
The Attacks
Two high-profile incidents have been directly linked to Iran’s influence:
- In October 2024, a kosher café in Bondi, Sydney, was destroyed in an arson attack.
- In December 2024, a synagogue in the Melbourne suburb of Ripponlea was firebombed, leaving the building gutted and its community shaken.
While no lives were lost, the destruction caused widespread fear among Jewish Australians and highlighted vulnerabilities in community security.
Diplomatic Fallout
Following ASIO’s findings, the government ordered Ambassador Ahmad Sadeghi and several senior Iranian officials to leave the country within a week. At the same time, all Australian diplomats were withdrawn from Tehran.
In addition, the Albanese government announced plans to formally designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization—a step that would bring Australia in line with allies such as the United States and Canada.
Community and International Reactions
Jewish community leaders welcomed the government’s decisive response, though some expressed frustration that warnings about Iran’s activities had long been ignored. Many see the expulsion as an overdue but necessary measure to protect Australia’s Jewish population and preserve social harmony.
Israel’s ambassador also praised the move, calling it a “bold stand against state-sponsored hatred” and urging other nations to follow Australia’s example.
Rising Tide of Hate
The incidents are part of a broader pattern of rising antisemitism and Islamophobia across Australia, particularly since the outbreak of the Israel–Hamas conflict in 2023. Authorities have reported a surge in graffiti, threats, and attacks targeting religious communities.
In response to last year’s synagogue firebombing, a national task force was created to investigate antisemitic crimes, and security has been strengthened around synagogues, mosques, and other religious sites.
What Comes Next
ASIO continues to investigate whether further incidents in Australia can be linked to foreign influence. The government has promised to balance public transparency with the need to protect ongoing operations.
For now, the expulsion of Iran’s ambassador marks a turning point in Australia’s foreign policy, underscoring that state-backed attacks on its citizens will be met with unprecedented consequences.
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