UPDATE: The Australian government has officially accused Iran of orchestrating a series of antisemitic attacks in Sydney and Melbourne, following the expulsion of Iranian ambassador Ahmad Sadeghi on July 15, 2023. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke asserts that there is a “very, very high level of confidence” that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is behind the arson attacks targeting Jewish community sites.
This urgent accusation comes on the heels of significant incidents, including attacks on the Adass Israel synagogue in Melbourne and Lewis’s Continental Kitchen in Sydney, both of which occurred in heavily Jewish neighborhoods. Burke emphasized that intelligence indicates these attacks were not random but specifically directed by IRGC commanders through local intermediaries.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reinforced this claim, revealing that investigations involved sophisticated methods, including cryptocurrency and encrypted messaging. “This is a rather extraordinary intelligence success by ASIO and the Australian federal police,” Albanese told ABC Radio. He highlighted the ability of Australian authorities to trace the command chain back to Iran, despite the challenges posed by modern digital communication.
As tensions rise, Iran’s government has flatly rejected Australia’s assertions. Foreign Affairs Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi criticized the allegations, suggesting they are a tactic by Australia to “appease” Israel. Iranian officials have promised a “reciprocal reaction” to the expulsion of their diplomats, indicating that diplomatic relations may further deteriorate.
The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) has not disclosed the specific evidence supporting these claims, but Albanese hinted at electronic evidence pointing directly to Iranian involvement. In a media event, he stated: “These elements use the dark web, they use encrypted messages, they use cryptocurrency.” This highlights the increasing complexity of modern intelligence operations.
In a stark warning, Albanese mentioned, “Australians can take confidence in our security agencies,” pledging that the government would equip national security bodies with whatever powers they require. The government is also moving to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization, a process that could take weeks due to the complexities involved in amending criminal codes.
Criticism of the government’s response has emerged from the opposition, with calls for quicker action against the IRGC dating back to 2023. Shadow Treasurer Ted O’Brien accused the Labor government of being “weak” and “complacent” regarding Iran’s threats. Meanwhile, Shadow Home Affairs Minister Andrew Hastie expressed regret that the IRGC was not listed earlier, acknowledging mixed views within the previous Coalition government.
Burke defended the government’s swift response, stating, “There’s a huge amount of work and analytical rigour that goes into these ASIO assessments.” He reassured the public that the government acted immediately upon receiving the intelligence assessment, ensuring the safety and security of Australian citizens.
As these developments unfold, the implications for Australia’s Jewish community and broader international relations remain profound. With authorities confident in the evidence against Iran, further actions and announcements are expected in the coming days. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
