Australia expels Iranian ambassador, suspends embassy in Tehran

Australia has expelled Iran's ambassador and suspended operations at its embassy in Tehran after intelligence revealed the Iranian government allegedly directed anti-Semitic attacks in Melbourne and Sydney.

In a media statement on Tuesday, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Australia's Jewish community has witnessed a number of appalling anti-Semitic attacks since Oct 7, 2023.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong noted it was the first time since World War II that Australia had expelled an ambassador.

Based on investigations by the Australian Security Intelligence Organization and the Australian Federal Police, Australia has concluded that "the Iranian Government has directed at least two of these attacks," the statement said.

According to ASIO, Iran was behind the attack on Lewis' Continental Kitchen in Sydney on Oct 20, 2024, and the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne on Dec 6, 2024. ASIO assesses it is likely Iran directed further attacks as well.

"These were extraordinary and dangerous acts of aggression orchestrated by a foreign nation on Australian soil. This is an attack on our society, aimed at creating fear, stoking internal divisions and eroding social cohesion," Albanese said.

"These attacks on our society are totally unacceptable and the Australian Government is taking strong and decisive action in response," he added.

Australia has informed the Iranian ambassador to Australia that he and three other Iranian diplomats will be expelled. Operations at Australia's embassy in Tehran have been suspended, with all diplomats safely relocated to a third country.

In addition, the statement said, Australia will legislate so that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps can be formally listed as a terrorist organization.

Albanese stressed that Australians "want the killing and hatred to stop, and they don't want the conflict in the Middle East" brought in Australia.

He added that the government "sends a clear message that we stand against anti-Semitism and violence."

Foreign Minister Wong underlined the significance of the decision, saying Australia had declared Iran's ambassador and three other Iranian officials persona non grata, giving them seven days to leave the country.

She urged Australians not to travel to Iran, and advised those already there to leave if it is safe.

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