Canberra blames Tehran for targeting Jewish community sites and designates Iran’s Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist group
Soldecanarias.net
The Australian government has taken a decisive step in its diplomatic relations with Iran by expelling the Iranian ambassador in Canberra, along with three other officials, after accusing Tehran of orchestrating antisemitic attacks on Australian soil.
According to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Iranian authorities were behind recent attacks on the Adass Israel synagogue in Melbourne and the Continental Kitchen Jewish restaurant in Sydney, as well as other incidents currently under investigation. “These were not isolated acts, but coordinated efforts by a foreign state to sow division within our society,” Albanese stated during a press conference.
He described the events as “serious acts of foreign aggression” and confirmed that Australia will officially designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, further escalating tensions with the Iranian regime.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced that Iranian ambassador Ahmad Sadeghi and the three diplomats must leave the country within seven days. She also confirmed that the Australian embassy in Tehran has suspended operations for security reasons, and its personnel have been relocated to a third country.
“Iran has tried to undermine the fabric of our society with actions that not only terrorized our Jewish community but put Australian lives at risk,” Wong said, adding that such acts «cross a line that must never be tolerated.»
Interior Minister Tony Burke emphasized that “antisemitism in Australia is real and dangerous, and it’s amplified by regimes like Iran’s.” He stressed that “regardless of the source, the impact on victims is the same.”
This marks the first time since World War II that Australia has formally expelled an ambassador, a rare diplomatic move that sets a strong precedent. However, the government will maintain limited diplomatic channels with Iran for consular and humanitarian matters.
In addition to the expulsions, Canberra has issued a travel warning advising Australians to avoid Iran, and urged citizens already in the country to leave if it is safe to do so.
This diplomatic fallout comes shortly after Australia formally recognized the State of Palestine, marking a significant shift in its Middle East policy.
