The Australian Government has taken a historic national security step by formally designating Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a state sponsor of terrorism, marking the first-ever listing under the country’s newly established counter-terrorism framework.
The announcement follows a series of briefings from ASIO and other security agencies confirming that the IRGC orchestrated targeted attacks on Australia’s Jewish community in 2024, including:
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An attack on Lewis’ Continental Kitchen in Sydney (October 2024)
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The attempted attack on Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne (December 2024)
According to intelligence assessments, these incidents were deliberate attempts to spread fear, aggravate community tensions, and undermine Australia’s multicultural cohesion.
🇦🇺 New Counter-Terrorism Framework Activated
In early 2025, Parliament passed the Criminal Code Amendment (State Sponsors of Terrorism) Act 2025, creating an unprecedented legal pathway for the government to respond directly to terrorism funded or directed by foreign states.
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The IRGC’s listing is the first designation under this legislation.
Under the law, the Minister for Home Affairs must be satisfied that there is credible evidence proving a foreign state entity has engaged in or facilitated terrorism. After receiving intelligence and policy advice, the Minister concluded that the IRGC unequivocally meets that threshold.
Severe Penalties for Associations With IRGC
Following this designation, a wide range of interactions with the IRGC now constitute criminal offences.
Under Part 5.3A of the Criminal Code, it is illegal to:
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Direct or support their activities
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Be a member of the IRGC
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Associate with known members
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Recruit on their behalf
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Train with them
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Transfer funds to, from, or for the group
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Provide material support of any kind
Penalties for these offences can reach up to 25 years imprisonment.
The new framework aims to deter foreign state-backed extremism and disrupt networks that may seek to target Australia or its communities.
A Global Threat With Local Impact
The government emphasised that terrorism is not confined by borders and that state-sponsored extremism can manifest inside Australia if unchecked. Officials confirmed ongoing cooperation with international allies to counter IRGC-linked activities and prevent similar attacks.
Australians are encouraged to report suspicious behaviour to the National Security Hotline: 1800 123 400.
Official Government Reactions
Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong
“Iran’s actions were unprecedented, dangerous, and orchestrated by a foreign government on Australian soil. Designating the IRGC as a state sponsor of terrorism makes clear that there is no place for such activities in our country.
The Albanese Government has taken the strongest measures against Iran ever seen in Australia to ensure our communities remain safe.”
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke
“This listing is a direct response to the reprehensible behaviour of the Iranian Government. It strengthens the power of our police, security, and intelligence agencies to disrupt extremism and violence.
Every person in Australia deserves to feel safe and welcome. This is the principle behind the legislative changes that made this action possible.”
Attorney-General Michelle Rowland
“We acted quickly to ensure our counter-terrorism laws remain robust and future-proof. These reforms make it harder and riskier for hostile foreign actors to engage in harmful behaviour in Australia.
Our goal is to protect our people and safeguard the integrity of our national security.”
More Information
Visit the official Australian National Security website for detailed updates on counter-terrorism strategies, legal frameworks, and awareness resources.
