Melbourne, Aug 26 (AP) - Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has accused Iran of orchestrating two antisemitic attacks on Australian soil, leading Australia to sever diplomatic ties with Tehran. On Tuesday, Albanese stated that the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) determined the Iranian government directed arson attacks on the Lewis Continental Kitchen, a kosher food enterprise in Sydney last October, and the Addas Israel synagogue in Melbourne last December.
Iran has yet to respond to these allegations. The incidents come amid a significant rise in antisemitic activities in Sydney and Melbourne since the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict in 2023. Albanese revealed, “ASIO has now gathered sufficient credible intelligence to conclude something deeply troubling.” He continued, “The Iranian government orchestrated at least two of these attacks while attempting to conceal its involvement. These were extraordinary and dangerous acts of aggression conducted by a foreign nation on our territory. Such attempts to disrupt social harmony and incite discord within our community are completely unacceptable.”
In response, Australia has expelled Iran's Ambassador to Australia, Ahmad Sadeghi, and pulled back Australian diplomats from Iran to a third location. Albanese noted, “To Australians in Iran, the embassy's closure implies they should strongly consider leaving if it is safe.” A warning specified, “Foreigners in Iran, including Australians and dual Australian-Iranian nationals, face a heightened risk of arbitrary detention or arrest.” Accordingly, Australia escalated its travel advice to its highest alert: “Do not travel” to Iran.
Iran is known for detaining Westerners or individuals with ties abroad for use as leverage in negotiations. Despite the diplomatic rift, Foreign Minister Penny Wong emphasized that some diplomatic lines to Tehran would remain open to safeguard Australia's interests. She also noted it marks the first ambassador expulsion by Australia since World War II.
Furthermore, Albanese indicated plans to classify Iran's Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization. The Revolutionary Guard, particularly its Quds Force, has been accused of executing attacks overseas, though Iran generally denies such claims. The Executive Council of Australian Jewry expressed relief over the impending terrorist designation, stating their outrage over a foreign entity targeting Jewish Australians and causing extensive destruction and fear.
The move against Iran follows a recent diplomatic spat with Israel. After Albanese announced the recognition of a Palestinian state, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized him as "a weak politician who betrayed Israel," resulting in reciprocal visa cancellations between the two nations.
ASIO director-general Mike Burgess clarified the absence of evidence implicating any Iranian diplomats in Australia but highlighted that direction came from the IRGC via external facilitators. While antisemitic activities spiked post the October 7 outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war, Iran’s involvement reportedly initiated a pattern of heightened violence against individuals, businesses, and places of worship from October of the previous year. “Iran instigated those early actions,” Burgess confirmed. (AP) SCY SCY
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