Australia Expels Iranian Envoy Over Antisemitic Attacks, Declares IRGC a Terror Group

Report by “Safarti Tarjuman” International News Desk

Sydney — Australia has taken the unprecedented step of expelling Iran’s ambassador after accusing Tehran of orchestrating two antisemitic arson attacks in Sydney and Melbourne. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also confirmed that Canberra will officially designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization.

According to intelligence from the Australian Security Intelligence Organization (ASIO), Iran directed the 2024 arson attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne and the firebombing of a kosher restaurant in Sydney.

Both attacks caused severe damage but resulted in no casualties.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced that Ambassador Ahmad Sadeghi and three Iranian diplomats have seven days to leave Australia.

“Iran’s actions are completely unacceptable,” Wong said. The decision marks Australia’s first expulsion of an envoy since World War II.

Australia has also suspended embassy operations in Tehran, moving its diplomats to a safe third country.

Albanese confirmed that the government will add the IRGC to Australia’s list of terrorist groups, citing its involvement in organized criminal activity and the use of proxy networks to destabilize communities.

ASIO chief Mike Burgess said Iran attempted to conceal its role by relying on criminals and gang members. “They’re using intermediaries to carry out their agenda,” he stated.

The Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ) praised the government’s stance, describing the attacks as “a direct assault on Jewish Australians.”

“These crimes destroyed sacred places, caused millions of dollars in damage, and deeply shook our community,” said ECAJ president Daniel Aghian.

Israel’s embassy in Canberra also welcomed the move, warning that Iran’s regime “threatens not only Jews and Israel but the entire democratic world.”

The diplomatic crisis comes shortly after Australia’s recognition of a Palestinian state on August 11, 2025, a move that strained ties with Israel.

Mass pro-Palestinian protests across Australia have coincided with a reported 500% rise in Islamophobic incidents since the start of the Israel-Gaza war in 2023, while Jewish groups say antisemitic threats are also increasing.

Palestinian authorities report more than 60,000 deaths in Gaza since Israel’s offensive began, while humanitarian agencies warn of starvation due to limited aid access.

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