Australia Expels Iran’s Envoy Over Antisemitic Arson Attacks
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced Australia will expel Iran’s ambassador and three other Iranian diplomats within seven days. This marks the first ambassadorial expulsion since World War II. Intelligence from ASIO (Australian Security Intelligence Organisation) indicates that Iran directed two arson attacks: one at a kosher restaurant in Sydney and another at a synagogue in Melbourne.
Diplomatic Fallout
The government has suspended operations at its embassy in Tehran, urging Australian nationals to leave Iran as a precaution. Australia also intends to formally designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization due to its role in orchestrating these attacks via local criminal intermediaries.
Community Response
The Executive Council of Australian Jewry called the attacks an assault on Australia’s social harmony. The Jewish community expressed deep shock and called for decisive action. Security agencies warned of the potential for further incidents and reaffirmed their ongoing investigations.
