The Australian government has expelled two Iranian diplomats after intelligence findings suggested Tehran’s involvement in recent antisemitic incidents in Sydney and Melbourne.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the decision on Friday, citing credible intelligence gathered by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO).
“The Iranian government directed at least two of these attacks,” Albanese said, referring to the Sydney restaurant and Melbourne synagogue incidents. “Iran attempted to conceal its role, but ASIO’s assessment is clear.”
Shortly before the announcement, Canberra informed Iran’s ambassador of the decision. Australia has also relocated its diplomats from Tehran to a third country as a precautionary measure.
Rising Antisemitic Incidents in Australia
Authorities report a sharp increase in antisemitic incidents in both Melbourne and Sydney following the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel, which sparked Israel’s ongoing offensive in Gaza.
IRGC Terrorist Designation Considered
Albanese confirmed that Australia is preparing to formally designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, marking a significant escalation in Canberra’s stance toward Tehran.
Diplomatic Tensions with Israel
This decision comes weeks after Australia announced its intention to recognize Palestinian statehood during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in September.
READ MORE: Keele University Professor Presents Groundbreaking Islamophobia Research to UK Parliament
The move drew sharp criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who accused Albanese of betraying Israel.
“History will remember Albanese for what he is: a weak politician who betrayed Israel and abandoned Australia’s Jews,” Netanyahu said in response.
The developments underscore rising tensions between Australia, Iran, and Israel amid broader geopolitical shifts in the Middle East.
— With contributions from the Associated Press
