Australia accuses Iran of directing antisemitic attacks, expels ambassador

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese accused Iran of orchestrating the December 2024 firebomb attacks on the Addas Israel Synagogue in Melbourne and Lewis’ Continental Kitchen, a Jewish restaurant in Sydney.

The claim is based on findings from Australia’s domestic intelligence service, ASIO, which alleges that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) employed intermediaries to execute the attacks.

As a strong diplomatic response, Australia expelled Iran’s ambassador, Ahmad Sadeghi, along with three other Iranian diplomats, giving them seven days to depart the country.

It also suspended operations at its embassy in Tehran and evacuated Australian diplomatic staff to a third country for safety.

Australia is taking further action by preparing to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization, aligning its stance with the United States and Canada.

This unprecedented move expelling a foreign ambassador is the first such action by Australia since World War II and represents a serious escalation in diplomatic confrontations with Iran.

Prime Minister Albanese condemned the attacks as “extraordinary and dangerous acts of aggression” likely intended to undermine social cohesion in Australia.

Australia’s Jewish community welcomed the government’s decision. The Executive Council of Australian Jewry praised the action, noting the targeted nature of the attacks and emphasizing the importance of government accountability in ensuring community safety.

These developments reflect broader Australian concerns about foreign influence and antisemitic violence. Since October 2023, authorities have investigated a surge in antisemitic incidents, including arson, vandalism of religious sites and businesses, and hate graffiti—often exploring whether foreign funding or direction was involved.

The IRGC has been singled out in intelligence reports as a potential orchestrator behind certain violent acts.