Sign in Subscribe
Prime ministers

Australia Expels Iranian Ambassador Amid Antisemitic Attacks Investigations

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Australia's national security service has determined the Iranian government directed at least two antisemitic attacks in Australia - on Lewis Continental Kitchen in Sydney, and the Adass Israel synagogue in Melbourne. The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) informed the federal government of its assessment, and Iran was informed of the action around lunchtime Tuesday. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the decision to expel the Iranian ambassador to Australia and suspend the operation of the Australian embassy in Iran for the safety of officials and Australians. The move comes after ASIO assessed the Iranian government had likely directed more attacks on Jewish interests in Australia than the two that had been specified.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Iranian government directed at least two antisemitic attacks in Australia - on Lewis Continental Kitchen in Sydney, and the Adass Israel synagogue in Melbourne.
  • ASIO informed the federal government of its assessment that the Iranian government was likely involved in more attacks on Jewish interests in Australia.
  • The Australian government has decided to expel the Iranian ambassador to Australia and suspend the operation of the Australian embassy in Iran for the safety of officials and Australians.
  • ASIO has identified a "complex web of proxies" used by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to hide its involvement in the attacks.
  • The IRGC used "cut-outs" between it and the alleged perpetrators, including people with criminal backgrounds and members of organised crime gangs.
  • Australia has suspended diplomatic relations with Iran, but will maintain some diplomatic lines to advance the interests of Australians.
  • Foreign Minister Penny Wong has urged Australians not to travel to Iran and those already in Iran to leave if it is safe to do so.
  • The Australian government will legislate to list Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation.
  • The IRGC is the most powerful branch of the Iranian armed forces and is independent of Iran's regular army.

Statistics:

  • 2 antisemitic attacks directed by the Iranian government in Australia.
  • 7 days for the Iranian ambassador to Australia and three other officials to leave the country.
  • 10 months since the Lewis Continental Kitchen was set on fire in October 2024.
  • 2 months since the Adass Synagogue in Ripponlea was firebombed and extensively damaged in December 2024.
  • 1968: The year Australia established its embassy in Iran.
  • 22: The number of years the Australian government maintained diplomatic relations with Iran without endorsing the regime.
  • 1: The time the Australian government has expelled an ambassador in the post-war period.

Sources:

  • Albanese, Anthony. "Prime Minister Anthony Albanese". Prime Minister of Australia. ().
  • Burgess, Mike. "Head of ASIO Mike Burgess". Australian Security Intelligence Organisation. ().
  • Wong, Penny. "Foreign Minister Penny Wong". Australian Government. ().
  • Burke, Tony. "Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke". Australian Government. ().
  • Grattan, Michelle. "Michelle Grattan". The Conversation Media Group Ltd. ().
  • The Conversation Media Group Ltd. "The Conversation Media Group Ltd". ().
  • SyndiGate Media Inc. "SyndiGate Media Inc". ().

Read more