Australia expels Iranian diplomats over alleged role in anti-Semitic attacks

Wednesday 27 August 2025 - 10:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Australia expels Iranian diplomats over alleged role in anti-Semitic attacks

Australia has taken a historic diplomatic step by expelling Iranian Ambassador Ahmad Adeghi and three other diplomats, accusing Tehran of orchestrating anti-Semitic attacks on Australian soil. The move, announced on Tuesday, marks the most significant action Australia has taken against Iran since World War II.

Allegations of Iranian involvement

Foreign Minister Penny Wong revealed that Australian intelligence agencies have linked Iran to two anti-Semitic attacks: one targeting the Louis Continental Kitchen restaurant in Sydney on October 20, 2024, and another on the Adass Israel synagogue in Melbourne later that month. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described these incidents as “extraordinary and dangerous acts of aggression planned by a foreign state on Australian soil.”

Iran’s alleged involvement, Albanese said, aimed to “undermine social cohesion and sow discord” within the country. In response, Australia has ordered the diplomats to leave within seven days and has recalled its ambassador from Tehran. The government has also suspended operations at its embassy in Iran and pledged to designate Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization.

A strong diplomatic signal

This decisive action underscores the severity with which Australia views the accusations against Iran. Albanese emphasized that the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) has determined Tehran’s likely involvement in other attacks and warned of further consequences if such activities persist.

The prime minister stated, “These acts of aggression represent a direct threat to Australia’s sovereignty, security, and social harmony. They will not be tolerated.” The measures are part of a broader response to protect Jewish communities and uphold national security.

Iran’s response

Tehran swiftly denied the allegations and criticized Australia’s decision as unjustified. Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei called the accusations “absolutely baseless” and warned that “any inappropriate and unjustified diplomatic action will have a reciprocal reaction.” Iran further accused Australia of attempting to divert attention from large-scale pro-Palestinian protests against Israel’s actions in Gaza, which have recently dominated headlines.

Baghaei suggested that Canberra’s decision was influenced by internal political dynamics, claiming it was meant to “compensate for the limited criticism Australia has directed at the Zionist regime [Israel].”

Rising tensions

The diplomatic fallout comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and Western nations. Australia’s actions align with similar measures taken by other countries in response to Iran’s alleged interference in international affairs. This escalation also reflects growing concerns over global anti-Semitism and security threats linked to foreign influence operations.

The situation sets a precedent for Australia’s approach to hostile foreign activities, signaling a firm stance on protecting its sovereignty and addressing threats to its multicultural society.