Canberra, August 26, 2025 — Australia has expelled Iran’s ambassador and cut all diplomatic ties after intelligence revealed Tehran directed antisemitic attacks in Sydney and Melbourne. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called it “an extraordinary and dangerous act of aggression.”
Why Australia Expelled Iran’s Ambassador
The decision follows an ASIO investigation linking Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to two firebombing incidents:
- The arson attack on Lewis’ Continental Kitchen, a kosher café in Sydney.
- The firebombing of the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne.
Mr Albanese said the attacks were meant to undermine Australia’s social cohesion and intimidate Jewish Australians.
Diplomatic Fallout With Tehran
Australia has taken several strong actions in response:
- Expelled Iranian Ambassador Ahmad Sadeghi, who has seven days to leave.
- Declared the IRGC a terrorist organisation.
- Closed the Australian embassy in Tehran and withdrew all diplomats.
- Advised Australians in Iran to return home immediately.
The prime minister stressed that Iranian diplomats in Australia did not personally carry out the attacks but that Tehran orchestrated the operations via intermediaries.
Arrests and Criminal Links
Police have already charged two young men over the Melbourne synagogue attack, and a former biker gang boss in relation to the Sydney café fire.
Authorities believe Iran paid criminal networks using cryptocurrency to carry out the attacks. This link between foreign interference and organised crime is a growing concern for national security.
Support for the Jewish Community
The federal government has pledged more than $31 million to rebuild the Melbourne synagogue and strengthen security at Jewish institutions.
Jewish community leaders welcomed the move but criticised those who initially dismissed the attacks as hoaxes. Victims said the events left them “terrified for their safety.”
Iran Responds
Tehran has condemned Australia’s decision as “an assault on diplomacy.” Iranian officials accused Canberra of fabricating evidence and acting under foreign influence.
This is the first time since World War II that Australia has expelled a foreign ambassador—highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
What Happens Next
- Security Measures: Will Australia further target Iranian proxies and local criminal groups?
- Diplomatic Fallout: How will Tehran respond to the expulsion?
- Community Resilience: How can Jewish Australians be better protected from antisemitic violence?
