Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced the expulsion of Iran’s ambassador from Australia after the nation’s intelligence agency concluded that Tehran was behind at least two antisemitic attacks on Australian soil.
Albanese told reporters on Tuesday that the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) had gathered “credible intelligence” linking the Iranian government to coordinated attacks in Sydney and Melbourne last year.
“ASIO has assembled sufficient credible information to reach a deeply disturbing conclusion — the government of Iran directed at least two of these attacks,” Albanese said.
He named the incidents as the October 20, 2024 attack on Lewis Continental Kitchen in Sydney and the December 2024 attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne.
“Iran attempted to conceal its involvement, but ASIO assesses it was behind the attacks,” Albanese said, warning that it was also “likely” Iran directed other operations.
“These were attempts to undermine social cohesion and sow division in our community. The Australian government is taking strong and decisive action in response.”
IRGC listed as terrorist organisation
As part of the government’s response, Albanese confirmed that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) would be formally listed as a terrorist organisation in Australia.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the expulsion marked the first time in the post-war period that an ambassador had been declared persona non grata.
“There is no doubt that these extraordinary and dangerous acts of aggression, organised by a foreign state on Australian soil, crossed a red line,” Wong said. “The Iranian ambassador and three other officials will have seven days to leave the country.”
She reiterated existing government advice warning Australians against travelling to Iran.
ASIO investigation ongoing
ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess said the agency continues to investigate other possible Iranian-linked operations but stressed the regime was not responsible for every antisemitic act in Australia.
“Iran’s actions were unacceptable. They endangered lives, frightened the community and damaged our social fabric,” Burgess said. “Iran and its proxies lit the sparks and fanned the flames.”
He explained that the IRGC had used “cutouts” — layers of intermediaries including individuals connected to organised crime — to direct perpetrators within Australia.
“Some of the alleged offenders did it because they were paid,” Burgess said, noting ASIO had briefed the government on its assessment this week while investigations with the Australian Federal Police continue.
He added that while the IRGC had a history of targeting dissidents abroad, the attempt to “undermine Australia’s social cohesion” was unprecedented.
Albanese: Social cohesion will be defended
Albanese said every attack on social cohesion was “an attack on Australia.”
“We are proud of the country we have built — where people of different faiths and backgrounds overwhelmingly live side by side in harmony. We value it. We protect it. We defend it. And that is exactly what we are doing here today.”
Asked about personal criticism directed at him by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Albanese said he was unconcerned.
“What matters to me is making a difference for Australia’s social cohesion by adopting a principled position that reflects the values Australians want to see,” he said.
