Muhammad Kaleem Australia has expelled Iran’s ambassador after accusing Tehran of being behind antisemitic attacks in Sydney and Melbourne. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said intelligence linked Iran to a café arson in October 2024 and a synagogue fire in December, calling them “dangerous acts of aggression” aimed at creating division in society.
The Australian government has ordered Ambassador Ahmad Sadeghi and three officials to leave within seven days. At the same time, it has withdrawn its own diplomats from Tehran. Iran has strongly denied the allegations, saying the decision was influenced by Australia’s internal politics.
According to Australia’s intelligence agency ASIO, the attacks were connected to commanders in Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps. Investigators said Iran used criminals and organised groups as proxies to carry out the attacks, including the one on Melbourne’s Adass Israel Synagogue, which forced worshippers to flee.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong confirmed it was the first time since World War Two that Australia had expelled an ambassador. She also advised Australians in Iran to leave immediately if safe to do so. Meanwhile, Albanese announced that his government will formally designate Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation.
