Canberra: In a historic and dramatic escalation, Australia has expelled Iran’s ambassador and three other diplomats, giving them seven days to leave the country. The Australian government has also announced the immediate suspension of its embassy operations in Tehran. This marks the first time since World War II that Australia has expelled a foreign ambassador and is the latest and most decisive action by a nation against Iran’s alleged “export of terrorism.”
The move follows a thorough investigation by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), which concluded with “deeply disturbing” findings that the Iranian government was behind at least two antisemitic arson attacks in Australia. These included the firebombing of a kosher food company in Sydney and a synagogue in Melbourne. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the incidents as “extraordinary and dangerous acts of aggression orchestrated by a foreign nation on Australian soil.”
In addition to the expulsion and embassy closure, the Australian government is taking further strong measures. It plans to legislate to officially list Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization. The IRGC, a powerful and influential military force loyal to Iran’s Supreme Leader, has been accused of orchestrating attacks and destabilizing activities far beyond Iran’s borders.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated that the decision was made to safeguard Australia’s national interests and protect its citizens. She also issued a strong warning to Australians currently in Iran to leave the country immediately, citing a high risk of “arbitrary detention or arrest.”
Iran has denied the allegations, with its foreign ministry spokesperson calling the action a “compensation for the criticism that the Australians had against the Zionist regime,” a reference to Australia’s recent decision to recognize a Palestinian state.
Australia is not alone in taking a hardline stance. It is the 14th country to take direct action against Iran in response to its foreign policy, which many nations and international bodies have deemed to be a state-sponsored export of terrorism. This includes countries that have imposed sanctions, listed Iranian entities as terrorist organizations, or taken other diplomatic measures. The United States has had sanctions in place against Iran for decades and lists it as a state sponsor of terrorism. European nations and the European Union have also imposed various sanctions related to Iran’s military support for groups and entities in the Middle East and its nuclear program.
Source: This news is based on reports from multiple reputable news outlets, including The Guardian, The Times of Israel, SBS News, and The Associated Press, which have reported on the official statements from the Australian Prime Minister and Foreign Minister regarding the expulsion of diplomats, the closure of the embassy, and the decision to list the IRGC as a terrorist organization.
