Australia has announced plans to expel Iran’s ambassador, Ahmad Sadeghi, following allegations that the Iranian government directed antisemitic attacks in Sydney and Melbourne. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described these incidents as significant acts of aggression orchestrated by a foreign entity. The attacks occurred last year, and fortunately, there were no injuries reported.
The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) has indicated that Iran is “likely” responsible for further threats against Jewish targets in the country. ASIO chief Mike Burgess stated that the agency possesses intelligence suggesting Iran attempted to conceal its involvement in the attacks on specific locations, including the Lewis Continental Kitchen in Sydney on October 20 and the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne on December 6.
This action marks the first expulsion of an ambassador by Australia since World War II. Foreign Minister Penny Wong noted that while the embassy’s operations in Iran have been suspended for staff safety, certain diplomatic lines will remain open. Wong also advised Australians to avoid travel to Iran and recommended that any citizens currently in the country leave as soon as it is safe.
In addition to the expulsion, Albanese announced plans to designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization. Iran has yet to respond to these allegations and the actions taken by Australia.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9d085n75q3o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss