Australia Expels Iranian Ambassador After Intelligence Links Iran to Antisemitic Arson Attacks
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the incidents as “extraordinary and dangerous acts of aggression orchestrated by a foreign nation” intended to “undermine social cohesion and sow discord” in Australia
Canberra, Aug. 26, 2025 — Australia has expelled Iran’s ambassador and three other diplomats after its spy agency, ASIO, confirmed Iran’s role in directing antisemitic arson attacks in Sydney and Melbourne.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the incidents as “extraordinary and dangerous acts of aggression orchestrated by a foreign nation” intended to “undermine social cohesion and sow discord” in Australia.
Australia’s Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) uncovered credible intelligence linking the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to the arson of the Lewis’ Continental Kitchen in Sydney and the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne. ASIO chief Mike Burgess added that further attacks could be in the pipeline.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced the targeted diplomats had been declared persona non grata and given seven days to depart Australia—a historic first since World War II.
The government has also suspended operations at its embassy in Tehran, relocating all diplomats to a third country, and intends to formally designate Iran’s IRGC as a terrorist organisation.
Jewish community leaders welcomed the move. Daniel Aghian, president of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, said the attacks were “deliberately targeted… destroyed a sacred house of worship, caused millions of dollars of damage, and terrified our community”.
Further investigation revealed a complex network involving organized crime and encrypted communications used to mask IRGC involvement—details uncovered by ASIO and the Australian Federal Police, supported by intelligence partners in the Five Eyes alliance
