Australia Expels Iranian Envoys over Antisemitic Attacks, Iran Warns Reciprocal Response

Australia has expelled Iran's ambassador and three other diplomats after intelligence agencies linked Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to antisemitic arson attacks on Jewish sites in Sydney and Melbourne in 2024. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described these attacks as orchestrated acts of aggression by a foreign nation aiming to undermine social cohesion in Australia. The IRGC has also been accused of surveilling and intimidating the Iranian-Australian diaspora over several years, prompting bipartisan calls to officially designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization. Iran has vehemently rejected all accusations, denying involvement in the attacks and condemning Australia's actions as unjust and politically motivated, particularly linking them to Australia’s stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Tehran warned of reciprocal measures and criticized Australia for allegedly using these accusations to deflect attention from ongoing violence in Gaza. The diplomatic fallout includes Australia recalling its ambassador to Iran and suspending embassy operations in Tehran, while affirming it will maintain diplomatic ties to protect its citizens' interests.