Australia Expels Iranian Ambassador After IRGC-Directed Antisemitic Attacks

Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the expulsion of Iran's ambassador and three other diplomats following credible intelligence from the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) that the Iranian government directed at least two antisemitic arson attacks targeting a kosher restaurant in Sydney and a synagogue in Melbourne. ASIO's head Mike Burgess revealed that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) orchestrated these attacks through a complex network of proxies, aiming to undermine Australia's social cohesion. The Australian government also suspended operations at its embassy in Tehran and advised Australians to avoid travel to Iran. This move marks the first ambassadorial expulsion by Australia since World War II and includes plans to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization. While Iranian diplomats in Australia were not directly involved, the attacks represent an unprecedented level of foreign interference targeting Australia's Jewish community. Officials emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting social harmony and warned of potential further attacks orchestrated by the Iranian regime.