Contrasting Sydney Rallies Erupt Following US-Israel Military Strike on Iran
Protesters have gathered at Sydney's Town Hall to denounce the historic military attack on Iran by the United States and Israel, which many hope has ended the nation's tyrannical regime. The rally featured professional protester Josh Lees of the Palestine Action Group, who called on the Australian Government to condemn the joint operation.
Celebrations in Hyde Park Contrast with Town Hall Protests
While a small group assembled outside Town Hall, a far larger gathering of over 20,000 people celebrated in nearby Hyde Park, rejoicing at the downfall of Iran's ruler Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in his compound by an airstrike. These celebrants joined other Iranian-Australians in joyous scenes across the country, with thousands gathering in Melbourne and Brisbane.
Minoo Ghamari, who fled Iran nineteen years ago, told the ABC this represented Iran's "Berlin Wall moment," referencing the collapse of the Iron Curtain in Europe in 1989. American President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu both cited an existential threat to their nations posed by the Iranian regime after news of the bombings broke on Saturday morning, local time.
Australian Political Responses Divided
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese fronted a snap press conference on Sunday, expressing support for "the brave people" of Iran and addressing the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. He stated, "Ayatollah (Ali) Khamenei was responsible for the regime's nuclear program, support for armed proxies and its brutal violence and intimidation against its own people. This claimed countless lives in Iran but also internationally. He was responsible for orchestrating attacks on Australian soil. His passing will not be mourned."
However, the left-wing Socialist Alliance strongly condemned the attacks, claiming the bombings were "illegal and break international human rights rules." In a statement, they said, "We support the Iranian people's struggles for democratic reforms against the regime. But the US and Israel's bombing will not assist that struggle in any way." Dozens of its supporters gathered outside Town Hall to call for an immediate end to the aggression.
Casualty Reports and School Explosions
Early investigations from the Red Crescent, the equivalent of the Red Cross, indicate at least 200 people have died from US and Israeli airstrikes in Iran, with another 700 injured. Several deaths have been attributed to explosions at two Iranian schools: a girls' elementary school in Minab, which killed 108 people, and a school east of Tehran, where at least two students perished.
Prominent pro-Palestine protester Josh Lees was seen speaking at the Socialist Alliance rally. A second, more popular demonstration was also held in Sydney CBD on Sunday afternoon, where hundreds gathered to celebrate the end of Iran's regime, chanting, dancing, and waving flags.
Nationwide Celebrations Among Iranian-Australians
Similar celebrations have occurred around Australia. In Brisbane, one Iranian-Australian family marked the upheaval with a traditional celebration, sharing cakes and sweets. Amin, who declined to give his last name, set up a morning tea with signs reading "free Iran" and "Ayatollah is no more," pleasantly surprised when neighbours joined after he messaged a few friends.
He told AAP, "It's the start of a new day for Iran." While hailing the Ayatollah's death, he acknowledged uncertainty about Iran's future leadership but expressed hope to return and visit family for the first time in years, having been unable to travel due to safety concerns.
Perth-based Hamid Yeganeh has been communicating with family abroad since the strikes, noting many in Iran have taken to the streets to dance, chant, and celebrate—activities forbidden for nearly fifty years. He said, "The majority of our family and friends live in Iran and they are happy, so we have had that communication and everyone is just hoping the end is here." Internet and phone line outages in Iran have made contact with people in Tehran and elsewhere difficult.
Canberra Gathering and Hopes for Freedom
In Canberra, a few hundred people celebrated outside the now-closed Iranian embassy, cheering the Ayatollah's death and praising US and Israeli leaders. Champagne was sprayed over the dancing crowd as people prayed for a liberated Iran and the safety of their families there. Many spoke of being unable to travel back to their homeland to see relatives due to their involvement in protests.
Fab, who only wanted his first name used, fled to Australia thirty years ago after fighting the authoritarian regime for over a decade following the Iranian revolution. He would have been killed if he had returned but now sees a chance to reunite with his "tribe" in Iran.
Many Iranian-Australians view these events as a turning point in Iran's history. Elmira Bahraminejad, from the Free Iran community group, expressed hope for a better future after decades of oppression, stating, "There's been 47 years of suppression and dictatorship ... (people) want to thank the US and Israel for helping people inside of Iran."
