Australia expels Iranian ambassador over arson attacks; Tehran vows reciprocal response
Diplomatic rift deepens as Canberra accuses Iran of orchestrating antisemitic incidents
CANBERRA / TEHRAN (MNTV) — Australia expelled Iran’s ambassador and suspended its embassy operations in Tehran, accusing the Iranian government of directing antisemitic arson attacks in Sydney and Melbourne.
The move, described as one of the most severe diplomatic steps taken by Canberra in decades, has prompted Tehran to vow reciprocal action.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the decision on Tuesday after an investigation by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation concluded that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) was behind two incidents in late 2024.
The government simultaneously declared the IRGC a terrorist organization, warned citizens against travel to Iran, and began relocating embassy personnel to a third country.
Officials underscored that the measures had bipartisan support, framing the expulsion as essential to protecting both Australian sovereignty and public safety.
But the tensions go deeper than intelligence. Foad Izadi, a professor of world studies at the University of Tehran, told Al Jazeera: “He [Ambassador Ahmad Sadeghi] was vocal in his support for the Palestinian cause. That is the main reason for Australia’s decision to expel him.”
Izadi added that the expulsion seemed to be a response to “the largest pro-Palestine demonstrations in many Australian cities,” suggesting Canberra was responding to internal political dynamics as much as to alleged security threats.
In Tehran, the Foreign Ministry denounced the move as unjust and politically motivated.
Spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei warned of “reciprocal action,” framing the expulsion as a reaction to Australian domestic politics rather than legitimate security concerns—an echo of Izadi’s view
“Foreign-sponsored violence has no place in our society,” Albanese said, emphasizing that Canberra “will not tolerate covert campaigns that endanger Australian communities.”
Spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei told reporters that Iran would take reciprocal steps, signaling that Canberra’s diplomatic mission could face restrictions or closures in response.
While Australian officials insist their actions are grounded in national security, Tehran has warned that escalating measures risk fueling a wider confrontation.
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