Australia Takes a Stand: Iranian Ambassador Expelled Amid Antisemitic Attacks

Mon Sep 15 2025 16:05:24 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Australia's Prime Minister announces the expulsion of Iran's ambassador after allegations of orchestrating antisemitic attacks in Sydney and Melbourne. This represents a significant diplomatic move in response to foreign aggression.

In a decisive action, the Australian government has ordered the expulsion of Iran's ambassador and three other officials. This move comes after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese accused Iran of orchestrating antisemitic attacks against Australian Jews, describing the acts as extraordinary and dangerous. Intelligence from the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation suggests more attacks are imminent, leading to a suspension of embassy operations in Iran. The government plans to officially designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization.

Australia says it will expel Iran's ambassador after alleging the country's government directed antisemitic attacks in Sydney and Melbourne.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the attacks as extraordinary and dangerous acts of aggression orchestrated by a foreign nation, stating that nobody was injured in the incidents that occurred last year.

Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) chief Mike Burgess indicated that his agency has intelligence suggesting Iran may be behind additional attacks on Jewish targets in Australia.

Ambassador Ahmad Sadeghi and three other Iranian officials have been ordered to leave Australia within seven days, with Iran yet to respond to these accusations.

Burgess elaborated, noting that Iran attempted to obscure its involvement but was identified as responsible for the attacks on the Lewis Continental Kitchen in Sydney on 20 October last year, and the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne on 6 December.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong remarked that this is the first instance since World War II that Australia has expelled an ambassador. Wong also confirmed that while Australia would maintain some diplomatic communication with Tehran, it has temporarily suspended operations at its embassy in Iran for the safety of its staff.

Moreover, Wong urged Australians not to travel to Iran and advised citizens currently in the country to exit if safe to do so.

In a related decision, Albanese's government is set to officially classify Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization.