Australia has expelled Iran’s ambassador and three other Iranian officials, accusing Tehran of orchestrating arson attacks against Jewish sites in Sydney and Melbourne.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the move on Tuesday, calling the incidents “extraordinary and dangerous acts of aggression” carried out on Australian soil. It marks the first time since World War II that Canberra has expelled a foreign envoy. Ambassador Ahmad Sadeghi has been ordered to leave the country within seven days.
According to Albanese, intelligence from the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) linked Iran to two attacks: the December arson attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne and the firebombing of a kosher restaurant in Sydney’s Bondi district.
“These were attempts to undermine social cohesion and sow discord in our community,” the prime minister said.
No casualties were reported, but the synagogue—built by Holocaust survivors in the 1960s—suffered extensive damage, while the restaurant was completely destroyed. Authorities estimate the cost of damage in the millions.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong confirmed the expulsions and described Iran’s actions as “completely unacceptable.” Australia has also suspended embassy operations in Tehran, relocated its diplomats to a third country, and announced plans to formally designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation.
ASIO chief Mike Burgess alleged that the IRGC recruited Australian intermediaries, including organised crime groups, to carry out the attacks. “They’re using cut-outs—criminals and gang members—to do their bidding,” he said.
The move was welcomed by Israel’s embassy in Canberra, which described Iran as “a threat not only to Jews and Israel, but to the entire free world.” Daniel Aghian, president of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, said the attacks targeted Jewish Australians and violated national sovereignty.
“These crimes destroyed a sacred house of worship, terrorised our community, and caused millions in damage,” Aghian noted.
Police investigations are ongoing. Two men face charges over the Melbourne synagogue fire, while another man—allegedly linked to an outlaw motorcycle gang—has been charged in connection with the Sydney attack. He denies involvement and has been released on bail.
The diplomatic rift comes amid heightened tension over Australia’s recent recognition of a Palestinian state, a decision that drew criticism from pro-Israel groups. Meanwhile, the war in Gaza continues, with Palestinian officials claiming more than 60,000 deaths since Israel launched its military offensive nearly two years ago.
