Australia has expelled Iran's ambassador and declared him persona non grata, alleging that the Iranian government orchestrated antisemitic arson attacks on Australian soil. The ambassador and other diplomats have been given seven days to leave the country. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his government had 'credible intelligence' that Iran directed at least two attacks last year: one on the Adass Israel synagogue in Melbourne and another on Lewis's Continental Kitchen in Bondi, Sydney.
Albanese stated that the arson attacks were 'extraordinary and dangerous acts of aggression orchestrated by a foreign nation' and that they were 'attempts to undermine social cohesion and sow discord.' He also said it was 'likely' Iran was responsible for other antisemitic incidents. The government plans to proscribe the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation, though legislation may take weeks to finalise.
Iran has strongly denied the allegations. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei rejected the accusation as 'absolutely' false and warned of 'reciprocal action' against Australia. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi called Prime Minister Albanese a 'weak politician' and accused Australia of trying to 'appease Israel.' He added that Iran was 'paying the price for the Australian people’s support for Palestine.'
Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong defended the decision, saying the government acts in Australia's interests and will not tolerate foreign interference that includes violent acts. She noted that Australia has confidence in its security agencies' assessments. The Australian Federal Police and ASIO have been investigating the possible foreign orchestration of the attacks.
Australia withdrew its diplomats from Tehran ahead of the announcement. The Iranian diaspora in Australia have expressed fears of reprisals against family members still in Iran.
