Australia Expels Iranian Ambassador Over Antisemitic Attacks

Since the onset of the Israel-Gaza war in October 2023, Australia has witnessed a concerning rise in both antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents. These incidents have manifested as vandalism and arson targeting homes, schools, synagogues, and vehicles across the country.

On Tuesday, the Australian government announced that Iran had attempted to conceal its involvement in the previous year's attacks on a kosher restaurant in Sydney and the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne. As a consequence, Canberra ordered the Iranian ambassador to depart within a week, marking the first such expulsion since World War Two.

The Australian government clarified that there was no evidence suggesting the perpetrators of the antisemitic attacks were aware of any direct involvement from Tehran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). However, the government emphasized the gravity of Iran's role in directing attacks on Australian territory.

Iran has consistently denied these allegations, attributing them to a campaign orchestrated by Western powers.

Following the government's decision to close its embassy in Iran, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong issued a warning to Australians, advising them against travel to Iran. She estimated that approximately 4,000 Australian citizens are currently residing in the country. Wong urged any Australians in Iran to return home.