Australia expelled Iran’s ambassador after concluding Tehran directed antisemitic arson attacks on Jewish sites in Sydney and Melbourne. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called Iran’s actions “extraordinary and dangerous acts of aggression” aimed at dividing Australians.
The attacks included a 2024 firebombing of a kosher deli and the December 2024 arson of the Adass Israel Synagogue. Intelligence services linked the operations to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which will now be designated a terror organization in Australia.
Canberra also withdrew its diplomats from Tehran, marking the first expulsion of an ambassador since World War II. Foreign Minister Penny Wong urged Australians not to travel to Iran and for those in the country to leave immediately.
The Jewish community welcomed the move, though leaders expressed concern over being targeted by a “ruthless foreign force.” Israel praised Australia’s decision, calling it an important step against Iranian aggression.
