Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson: Tehran is studying response to Australia's decision to expel Iran's ambassador - state media

Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson: Tehran is studying response to Australia's decision to expel Iran's ambassador - state media

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that Iran's ambassador to Australia, Ahmad Sadeghi, has been designated 'persona non grata' and expelled from the country. This decision follows credible intelligence that the Iranian government directed at least two antisemitic attacks in Australia since October 7, 2023. The Australian government has also suspended operations at its embassy in Tehran and plans to list Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization [1].

The expulsion comes amidst heightened tensions between Australia and Iran. The Australian government views the attacks as attempts to undermine social cohesion and sow discord within the community. Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson stated that Tehran is studying its response to Australia's decision to expel the ambassador [2].

Separately, representatives from Britain, France, and Germany, known as the E3 nations, are set to hold last-minute talks with their Iranian counterparts in Geneva on Tuesday. The meeting is part of a fast-approaching deadline for the Europeans to reimpose sanctions on Iran by triggering the so-called snapback mechanism. The Europeans are concerned about Iran's nuclear program, which had been enriching uranium to near weapons-grade levels before the 12-day Iran-Israel war in June [2].

The snapback provision of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal can be invoked by any party if they find Iran out of compliance with requirements. Its purpose is to swiftly reimpose all pre-deal sanctions without being vetoed by U.N. Security Council members. Iran contends there is no legal basis for the Europeans to reimpose U.N. sanctions via snapback, claiming the countries failed to uphold the 2015 Iran nuclear deal after the U.S. exit in 2018 [2].

The 2015 Iran nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), was designed to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Under the deal, Iran agreed to limit uranium enrichment to levels necessary for nuclear power in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions. However, Iran's nuclear activities have been a contentious issue, with the country continuing to enrich uranium to near weapons-grade levels [2].

The situation underscores the complex geopolitical landscape involving Iran, Australia, and the European nations. As tensions escalate, the financial markets will likely remain vigilant, monitoring any developments that could impact global stability and economic relations.

References:

[1] https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/video/2025/aug/26/australia-expels-iranian-ambassador-over-evidence-iran-directed-antisemitic-attacks-video
[2] https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/european-iranian-diplomats-hold-minute-nuclear-talks-ahead-124977417