Iran: Australia's anti-Semitism accusation absolutely baseless

Iran: Australia's anti-Semitism accusation absolutely baseless

Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has accused Iran of directing at least two antisemitic attacks in the country, leading to the expulsion of Iran's ambassador to Canberra. The incidents, which occurred in Sydney and Melbourne last year, involved arson at a kosher restaurant and a synagogue, causing extensive damage but no casualties [1].

Albanese stated that the attacks were "extraordinary and dangerous acts of aggression orchestrated by a foreign nation" aimed at undermining social cohesion in Australia. The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) has gathered credible intelligence linking Iran to these attacks [2]. In response, Australia has suspended operations at its embassy in Tehran and moved all diplomats to a third country. Additionally, the government plans to legislate Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization [1].

Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced that Iran's ambassador, Ahmad Sadeghi, and three of his colleagues have been declared persona non grata and given seven days to leave the country. This marks the first time since World War II that Australia has expelled an ambassador [1]. Despite this, the Albanese government will maintain some diplomatic lines with Iran to advance Canberra's interests, but has advised Australians to avoid traveling to Iran [1].

Iran has not yet commented on the accusations. However, the Iranian government has consistently denied involvement in the attacks. The Iranian ambassador's expulsion and the designation of the IRGC as a terrorist organization have drawn criticism from some quarters, with some arguing that the allegations are baseless and could strain diplomatic relations [3].

The escalating tension between Australia and Iran comes at a time when antisemitic incidents have surged in both Sydney and Melbourne since the Israel-Hamas war began in 2023. The attacks have targeted Jewish Australians, causing millions of dollars in damage and terrorizing the community [1].

References:
[1] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/26/australia-accuses-iran-of-directing-antisemitic-attacks-expels-envoy
[2] https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9d085n75q3o
[3] https://www.wdsu.com/article/australia-expels-iranian-ambassador-antisemitic-attacks/65893857