Australia Expels Iranian Ambassador

he Australian ABC network reported that following allegations by the country’s intelligence agency that Iran was involved in anti-Semitic attacks in Australia, diplomatic relations with Iran were cut, and the Iranian ambassador was expelled.

According to Rokna, citing ABC Australia, the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), the country’s national security and domestic intelligence agency, claimed that Iran played a role in at least two anti-Semitic attacks on Australian soil. Consequently, the Australian government severed diplomatic relations with Iran and expelled its ambassador.

Mike Burgess, Director of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, today, Tuesday, without providing sufficient evidence, alleged that Iran ordered the attack on a Melbourne synagogue in December of last year, as well as the attack on the “Louis Continental Kitchen” restaurant in Sydney in October of last year. He further estimated that Iran was behind several other attacks.

Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister of Australia, also repeated these allegations in his remarks, claiming that Iran is responsible for dangerous and aggressive activities that undermine the country’s cohesion.

In this context, Penny Wong, Australia’s Foreign Minister, stated that this is the first time since World War II that Australia has expelled an ambassador. Wong also said that Australia will maintain some diplomatic channels with Tehran but has suspended operations at the Australian embassy in Iran to ensure the safety of its staff. She additionally urged Australian citizens not to travel to Iran and advised those currently in Iran to leave the country as soon as possible, if feasible.

The BBC World Service also reported that Ahmad Sadeghi, Iran’s ambassador to Australia, along with three other Iranian officials, has been ordered to leave Australian territory within seven days.

According to BBC, Iran has not yet responded to the actions taken by Australian authorities.