Australia accuses Iran of organising antisemitic attacks and expels ambassador

Australia expelled Iran's ambassador and severed diplomatic ties with Tehran after intelligence services determined the Iranian government directed antisemitic attacks on a Sydney kosher business and Melbourne synagogue, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced Monday.

Iran is accused of organising arson attacks against the Lewis Continental Kitchen in Sydney in October of last year, according to the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO). This was allegedly in addition to a separate attack on the Addas Israel synagogue in Melbourne in December of last year. 

Tehran did not immediately respond to the news. 

“ASIO has gathered enough credible intelligence to reach a deeply disturbing conclusion,” Albanese told reporters. “The Iranian government directed at least two of these attacks. Iran has sought to disguise its involvement, but ASIO assesses it was behind the attacks.” 

“These were extraordinary and dangerous acts of aggression orchestrated by a foreign nation on Australian soil,” he said. “They were attempts to undermine social cohesion and sow discord in our community. It is totally unacceptable.”  

The Iranian ambassador to Australia Ahmad Sadeghi was expelled, and Australian diplomats to Iran were moved to a third country, Albanese said. Australians in Iran were urged to “strongly consider leaving as soon as possible, if it is safe to do so.” 

“Foreigners in Iran, including Australians and dual Australian-Iranian nationals, are at a high risk of arbitrary detention or arrest,” a warning read. 

Albanese also said that the Australian government would legislate to designate the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation. The IRGC has been accused of carrying out attacks abroad throughout its existence, though it broadly denies any involvement. 

A spokesperson for the Executive Council of Australian Jewry welcomed the terrorist designation for the IRGC, adding in a statement that the group was “outraged” that a foreign actor was behind the crimes. 

“Foremost, these were attacks that deliberately targeted Jewish Australians, destroyed a sacred house of worship, caused millions of dollars of damage and terrified our community,” the statement said. 

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Canberra would keep some diplomatic lines open with Tehran to advance Australia’s interests.