Iran's ambassador expelled over ‘credible intelligence’ Tehran coordinated antisemitic attacks
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The news: Australia has expelled the Iranian ambassador over “credible intelligence” Tehran coordinated at least two antisemitic attacks on Australian soil.
The context: Speaking alongside ASIO director general Mike Burgess at Parliament House in Canberra on Tuesday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed Australia will also close its embassy in Tehran. He said Australian diplomats were safe.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which allegedly directed the attacks, has been listed as a terrorist organisation.
Burgess revealed that an investigation, which began last October, had concluded Iran organised two attacks in Australia — arson attacks on Melbourne’s Adass Israel Synagogue in December and Sydney’s Lewis’ Continental Kitchen in October.
After Albanese was briefed on ASIO's assessment on Monday, Iranian ambassador Ahmad Sadeghi was informed of his expulsion the following morning. Sadeghi and three other officials have seven days to leave the country.
It is the first time in post-War history that Australia has expelled an ambassador.
Burgess confirmed no one working at the Iranian embassy was involved in the attacks, which were organised via a “complex web of proxies” linking the IRGC to the perpetrators.
“We have investigated dozens of incidents,” Burgess said. “ASIO now assesses the Iranian government directed at least two and likely more attacks on Jewish interests in Australia.”
Burgess has been increasingly vocal about the threat posed by foreign governments on Australian soil.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said while no one was physically hurt in the attacks, it was not true to say that no one was harmed.
A number of investigations remain ongoing.
After Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Albanese of fuelling antisemitism by recognising a Palestinian state, the Australian leader declined to bite back.
“I’m not interested in personal issues, what I’m interested in is making a difference,” Albanese said.
What they said: “Iran’s actions are utterly unacceptable,” Burgess said.
“They put lives at risk. They terrified the community and they tore at our social fabric. Iran and its proxies literally and figuratively lit the matches and fanned the flames.”
The source: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese press conference
