BREAKING: Australia has expelled Iran’s ambassador, Ahmad Sadeghi, following confirmed Iranian involvement in two anti-Semitic attacks on Australian soil. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced this urgent action today, revealing that Sadeghi has seven days to leave the country. This unprecedented decision marks the first ambassador expulsion by Australia in the postwar era.
The Iranian government is linked to the firebombing of the Adass Synagogue in Melbourne in December 2024 and a fire at the Lewis Continental Kitchen in Bondi on October 20, 2024. These violent acts have been described by Albanese as “extraordinary and dangerous acts of aggression orchestrated by a foreign nation on Australian soil.”
Albanese stated that the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) assesses that Iran may be directing further attacks, highlighting the serious implications of this situation. “These were attempts to undermine social cohesion and sow discord in our community,” he emphasized during a press conference in Canberra.
In addition to expelling the ambassador, Australia has suspended operations at its embassy in Tehran and plans to legislate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization. Home Affairs Minister Tony Bourke remarked that this legislative move sends the “strongest possible signal that this conduct has reached a new and totally unacceptable low.”
“This is a clear message to all Australians: we stand against anti-Semitism and violence,” Bourke declared. Furthermore, he warned nations like Iran that any attempts to interfere in Australia will not be tolerated.
ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess confirmed ongoing investigations into possible Iranian involvement in various attacks, stating, “There is a layer cake of cut outs between the IRGC and those conducting crimes.” He elaborated that ASIO is working closely with the Australian Federal Police on these critical investigations.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong added that Iran’s actions had “crossed a line,” urging Australians against travel to Iran while acknowledging many have family ties there. Wong affirmed that Australia will maintain diplomatic lines to advocate for its citizens’ interests.
The Australian government has made clear that these actions are a direct response to threats against its community, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to countering anti-Semitism and safeguarding social harmony. As investigations continue, the situation remains fluid, with further developments expected.
Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds, as Australia takes a firm stance against foreign aggression on its soil.
